A charity that is helping Chippenham people out of debt is expecting more calls for help than ever over the next couple of weeks.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) said it had experienced a surge in calls for help, which it put down to a post-Christmas rush to sort out personal finances.

The charity, based at Sheldon Road Methodist Church, took 479 calls for debt help in the first working week of 2015 alone and is already booked up until the beginning of March.

Rather than the traditional national peak known as Blue Monday on January 19, CAP said it receives most of its calls on the second Monday of February, which will be February 9 this year.

Islay Roberts, the manager of the debt centre, said: “Every week, the busiest day for debt help calls is a Monday, when people have had time over the weekend to resolve to seek help.

“We see a rise in calls during January and February, because most people can’t face tackling their finances before Christmas.

“When these two elements come together, we see our busiest time. As our reach extends to more areas, with more debt coaches, we are set to see more people booked in than ever before.”

He said those struggling with personal debt, perhaps as a result of losing a job or a relationship breakdown, should not feel hopeless.

“Four in ten people believe no one can help them with their debts, according to some research we’ve done,” said Mr Roberts.

“It can feel like you’ve hit a brick wall, but we see ‘impossible’ situations where people get their debts cleared.”

Anyone calling CAP for help is given a home visit by Mr Roberts, who learns what happened and shows a way forward out of debt.

All the person’s outstanding bills and letters from creditors are sent to CAP’s head office in Bradford and the charity negotiates with each creditor to draw up a budget for repaying what is owed.

For help, call CAP on 0800 328 0006 or see www.capuk.org