A Bury Christian charity is "delighted" to receive funding supporting those in debt as it says the causes of financial strain has changed. 

The Bury Project, which is part of national charity Christians Against Poverty, has been awarded £4,734.00 of National Lottery funding to support its debt advice and support services. 

The organisation will use the funding ensure the continuation of the project which offers a free debt counselling and support service to local people experiencing the burden and distress of debt. 

The charity has been running since February 2019 and is staffed by a debt counsellor and 12 volunteers.

READ MORE: Summerseat: Main road to be resurfaced after petition

Chairperson of The Bury Project, Rev Gordon Joyce, said: "The cause of debt in the past might have been making daft decisions. But now, if you've lost your job or are divorced, before you know it you are facing debt, especially with the increasing cost of living." 

"Its a national problem, we're trying to table it in the borough of Bury." 

Rev Joyce added that the causes of debt have become "more complex" in recent years, and said many of those in need of help have faced wider issues in their lives, including physical or financial abuse by a partner. 

He said people get into debt "for all sorts of reasons, people have got full time jobs and are going to food banks".  

The charity has offered support to around 100 clients so far, with 25 now debt free and a further 25 in the process of receiving support. 

Rev Joyce says that the cost of living crisis the service is needed more and more and has helped so many people become debt free.

READ MORE: Bury: Fraud warning after website masquerades as PayByPhone

The service offers friendly and supportive one to one counselling, looks for practical ways to help clients, and offers training so that once debts have been resolved, people will be better equipped to manage their finances and avoid getting into debt again.

Rev Joyce added: “We’re delighted that the National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way.

"Now thanks to the National Lottery we will be able to continue with our plans to make the service we offer available to more local people."