10:12am Friday 3rd October 2008
By Emily-Ann Elliott
Every morning when Brighton and Hove’s Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) opens its doors people are already queuing for the free advice service it offers.
Last year, 10,000 residents used the confidential service and over the past few years, the charity has seen more people needing help with debts.
Emily Ballantyne, CAB debt specialist, said: “Our biggest enquiry used to be benefits but now debt is the fastest growing problem for the CAB.
“Day in, day out, we see the devastating impact of debt on people’s lives and the desperation people feel about their situation. Families break up, people lose their homes and often suffer long-term depression and anxiety as a result of the worry involved.
“The free, confidential, independent debt advice that we offer can help turn things around and prevent similar problems happening again in the future.”
Brighton and Hove CAB is based in Hove Town Hall and is run by a few paid members of staff and about 30 volunteers. They are trained to deal with queries from benefits and housing to employment and consumer issues, as well as debt.
Ms Ballantyne added: “The average debt in the UK is about £20,000 but we see some people who owe four or five times that amount. What I always say to clients is whatever your fear is in terms of what’s going to happen, it won’t be that bad.”
To speak to an adviser go to a drop-in session between 9.30am and 11.30am Monday to Thursday at Hove Town Hall, 1 Tisbury Road.
Alternatively call 0845 1203710 from 1pm to 4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or visit www.brightonhovecab.org.uk.
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