15364/2GAZETTE & HERALD: A KIND-HEARTED mum-of-three has drawn on her own experience to help people with money worries by launching a Debt Advice Centre in Corsham.

Forty-six year old Chris Grant and her family pulled themselves out of £10,000 worth of debt after years of trying to cope with the soul-destroying situation.

She set up the centre with a group of volunteers from the Priory Street Baptist Church last month after realising she could help people in similar circumstances to herself.

"Fourteen years ago we as a family were in debt," she explained. "I could just remember the despair it caused. It affects your health, marriage and friendships. It's the most frightening experience ever and I didn't know who to turn to."

Both Mrs Grant and husband Steve, from Hardens Close, Chippenham are accountants but, with three children under five, Mrs Grant stayed at home while he was the main breadwinner.

"During the recession there was so much unemployment. I wasn't working and he lost his job," she said.

The firm where Mr Grant, 52, worked went bust and the company owed him two months wages, totalling £8,000. He was out of work for more than a year.

"I used to look forward to a Sunday because the post wouldn't come and I wouldn't get any threatening letters."

Mrs Grant was at a Christian conference 18 months ago where she heard about churches getting out into the community and helping people in debt.

Talking to another leader, Alan Christie, 48,at the church after the conference, they decided to investigate the need for a debt advice centre in Corsham.

Mrs Grant said: "I just felt this was something I really wanted to do and I could do. It would have been brilliant if there had been people to give me advice and support. There were no debt advice centres."

You don't have to go to church, anyone is welcome at the centre, which took a year to get up and running and £6,000 to fund.

Two advisors will see one client at anytime. They aim to produce a financial statement by working out your income and expenditure and help you to claim any benefits you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Mrs Grant, who is now finance director at Niad Communications in Chippenham said the family almost lost their house, used all their savings and their electricity was almost cut off.

"Your first priority is getting food for the kids," she said.

A number of the 14 strong advice team have suffered debt and have a passion to help people. They have been trained in listening skills and what action to take.

There is a 24-hour phone line, which is checked daily and is totally confidential on (01249) 712075.

The centre is open Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and Friday mornings 9.30am to 12.30pm at Priory Street Baptist Church.