A WINCHESTER church has partnered with a national organisation to help people in debt.

The new branch is one of 21 opening across the UK, run by Christians Against Poverty (CAP) which wants to reduce hardship through local churches.

The new service, based at Hope Church, in Middle Brook Street, aims to help people out of debt with home visits and negotiations with creditors. Volunteers will offer face-to-face support.

It comes after Hampshire Credit Union, or United Savings and Loans as it is known, announced the closure of its only Winchester outlet.

Winchester centre manager Barry Smith said: “The Church has always been about offering hope and we're really pleased to be able to give a tried-and-tested route out of debt alongside other great free debt advice in the area like Frontline and Citizens Advice.

“There is a lot in the Bible about looking after the poorest. In our society, a lot of poverty is debt-related so many in our congregation have been working hard to open a CAP centre to help get people back on track.”

At the launch earlier this month, John Kirkby, CAP founder, said: “Typically, debts can build up when a relationship breaks down, or someone loses their job, or through bereavement – so often when people are least able to cope with a financial headache.

“We’re just so pleased to be able to offer people a second chance by partnering the care of Hope Church with the financial expertise of CAP’s head office in Bradford.”

The new branch will join three others in Southampton and Eastleigh.

For more information go to capdebthelp.org or call 0800 328 0006.