THE manager of the Thurrock Citizen’s Advice Bureau is urging people to visit centres in the borough so people can talk about money problems.

With the rush of Christmas and New Year now out the way this is the time when the reality of debt and money worries really hit home.

Mike Rawlings, who has worked at the Grays Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) for 12 years, and he says the best move people in debt can make is to come forward and meet with one of the volunteers to talk about their problems and try and put a budget and repayment plan together.

Mr Rawlings said: “When someone comes in we sit them down and we find out if they just need a phone number or a leaflet or if we need to arrange an appointment to talk about their finances.

“We are a really well used centre and this is our busiest time of year.”

CAB’s also deal with queries on benefits, housing, relationships, immigration, employment and health.

During the last year the Thurrock CAB helped with 25,000 enquires from the general public and the highest area of concern was 42 per cent of people having trouble with debt.

Mr Rawlings added: “I would encourage anyone in a situation they feel they cannot control to come in and talk to someone, that is the first step into sorting out the problems.”

With advice centres in South Ockendon, Tilbury, Chadwell St Mary, Stanford-le-Hope, Aveley, Purfleet and Stifford Clays there are lots of places and people residents can turn to.

Customers of EDF energy in Thurrock can also be helped by the CAB because there is a fund available for anyone struggling to pay their gas and electric bills.

Staff at a CAB centre can help anyone apply and find out if they are eligible.

The main CAB Thurrock is on High Street, Grays and is open 9am to 4pm from Monday to Friday for enquires.

Or you can call the centre on 0844 826 9689 and an online guide is available at www.adviceguide.org.uk