The below is a message from Martin:

Hi there,

If you feel like your financial problems are so bad that there is no way out, please don't despair. I can understand the stress you are under and it must seem a very difficult time. However the important thing to remember is that no matter how bad you feel the debt is, I have never seen a debt situation that doesn’t have a workable solution. It may not be quick or easy, but it happens.

The most important thing to do is to get help from the right experts who can take you through this and make it as easy as possible. In this case, I suggest you speak to Christians Against Poverty. Don't worry about the 'Christian' bit - that’s about how it's funded, not the information it gives out.

Its website is https://capuk.org/. The reason I suggest CAP is unlike the other debt counselling agencies, it can come and visit you in your home if you want. It will spend much more time sorting this through and making sure all the right things are done; making it as easy as possible.

I hope this comes across the right way, but I've seen many people with similar stories of debt, and they get through it; it works out.

It feels like hell, but it will work out, with some time and patience. Don't let it build up into a catastrophe in your head, take it one step at a time and you'll get there.

All the best,

Martin