A LOCAL church is helping people with anxiety, depression and other psychological conditions find new hope, and get a handle on their finances.

The Church at Nantucket in Milford Haven runs a debt centre in partnership with the charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

CAP has found that poor mental health often runs hand-in-hand with financial difficulties and - as part of Mental Health Awareness Week - is highlighting that debt help and friendship are available locally.

CAP debt centre manager Naomi Joseph said: “If you’ve no money but you’re getting constant demands, threatening letters and phone calls, it’s very stressful.

"There’s the fear of losing your home, the worry of not being a good parent, relationships feeling the pressure.

"It’s not surprising that a quarter of our clients describe themselves as having poor mental health.

“However, it also goes the other way," she said.

"Debt can also be a by-product of an on-going condition.

"It’s much harder to be working and earning if you’re suffering from a mental health issue and therefore, you’re more likely to be struggling with day-to-day costs.”

CAP's free and confidential service aims to help people, whatever their background, who are struggling with money problems.

“If you’re feeling low and financial problems are part of that, we want to hear from you," said Naomi.

For more information, visit capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006.