Free Debt Advice Clinic

Some seven years ago, accountant Martin Denny heard a tape by Keith Tondeur, founder of the Christian charity Credit Action.

Keith’s message was that many in our society are struggling to cope with debt.  He spoke of his perplexity at the ease with which credit cards are issued to people who are clearly at risk and his horror at the harsh approach of the credit industry when a payment is missed.  Keith saw that whilst the number of people in serious debt was rising at an alarming rate, the number of people willing to help was insufficient.  Concluding that if the church did not stand in this gap then who would, Keith decided to set up Credit Action.  The charity now links to a free helpline for people in debt, produces down-to-earth booklets on budgeting and raises the profile of debt issues in government circles.

Martin took Keith’s message to heart and undertook further training as a debt specialist.  By now running his own accounting consultancy business, in September 2003 Martin started a free Debt Advice Clinic on Friday afternoons at The Jaffa Orchard in Pembroke Street.  Since 2005 he has been based at the 229 project in Bedford Road, Kempston and sees people by appointment, either on Thursday evenings at 229 or at other times in their own homes.  Martin’s contact details are available at the Jaffa Orchard.

Martin is the North Bedfordshire Representative for Stewardship Volunteer Network.  He runs money education courses, as well as giving talks in churches encouraging people to get involved in debt advice.

If you are in debt yourself and would like some advice, or if you have the desire and skills to help others, you can e-mail us and we will ensure that Martin gets in touch with you.

You can also visit the Credit Action website here