The second Monday in February is expected to bring about one of the busiest days ever for growing debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty.

Already in 2014, staff have seen calls for debt help from across the UK soar by 69 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Watford Centre Manager Liz Potter said: "We’re keen to hear from people who are struggling to pay the bills or feed their families.

"We want to hear from people who have lost track of their debts and are suffering sleepless nights. Our service is ideally placed for them." One client, Lauren, who picked up the phone to ask for help, is now debt free. She said: "I’m dancing around the house, have applied to go back to college and am ecstatic."

The start of the year brings a flurry of calls from people who typically have problems which have spiralled over many months and years.

Six out of ten people are worried about losing their homes and a quarter are regularly missing meals, says the charity.

Liz added: "It’s not just a bit of overspending at Christmas. They tend to call in January and February because they can’t face doing so in the days leading up to the festivities and they prefer to sort things when the children are at school."

Statistics show that Monday is the most popular day of the week to call for debt help and mid-February sees an annual peak in calls.

Watford Observer: CAP

Liz, based at Soul Survivor Watford church, added: "People tell us that calling for help with something as personal as finances is the hardest thing to do.

"They are surprised and relieved to find that we don’t judge them. "

Debbie said: "It was so nice not to feel judged or condemned for some of the mistakes I have made."

For more: www.capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006.