A free debt support service has returned to Whakatāne after an absence of a few years, with organisers hoping it will provide practical help and hope for Eastern Bay families struggling under financial pressure.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) launched its new Debt Help centre in Whakatāne last month, operating from Whakatāne Baptist Church and serving people across the Whakatane District.

The service is being led by Whakatāne resident Pauline Cottrell, pictured, who has returned to the role of CAP debt coach after previously working with the organisation before the service ceased operating three-and-a-half years ago.

Cottrell said there was a clear need for debt support in the community as rising living costs continued to place pressure on household budgets.

“Just looking at the cost of living and the price of petrol to get to work and everything, it’s pretty hard going,” she said.

She said people often found themselves trapped in a cycle of debt after taking out loans to cope with unexpected hardship.

“The temptation for a lot of people is to use their KiwiSaver for hardship or take out loans. That can be a downward spiral once you go there.”

Although the Whakatāne centre is only just beginning to accept clients, Cottrell said demand for help was significant, with CAP receiving many calls from people wanting the Debt Help service.

The CAP Debt Help programme provides free and confidential support for people facing unmanageable debt. Clients repay their debt using their own money, with the service working alongside clients to create realistic repayment plans, negotiating with creditors and helping households regain control of their finances.

Each client is paired with a financial mentor through CAP’s national office, while Cottrell provides local support and advocacy.

At present, the Whakatāne service has capacity to take on one new client each month, with referrals managed through CAP’s national freephone service.

Cottrell said debt problems could affect anyone.

“It’s not really just one demographic. If you get sick or something happens and you have to take on a loan and then you’re not able to repay it, anyone can find themselves in that situation.”

A long-time Whakatāne resident of Ngāi Tahu and Celtic ancestry, Cottrell moved to the town more than 30 years ago with her husband and has raised three children here.

She said what inspired her to return to the role was seeing the difference debt support could make in people’s lives.

“The work that they do is amazing. Just the difference it makes to people’s lives really inspired me.”

She said financial hardship often left people feeling isolated and ashamed, and one of CAP’s key goals was to walk alongside people without judgment.

“The biggest thing is that there is a way out. There is practical support and hope.”

Cottrell said families who completed the programme also learned valuable money-management skills that could be passed on to future generations.

“That’s the best thing I’ve seen with families. They actually start living it out and teach their children how to manage money too, so they don’t make the same mistakes.”

People seeking help can contact CAP directly through its national freephone number, 0508 227 111.