A NEW scheme to get people talking about their finances in Ipswich has been launched.As figures show more people than ever are struggling with debt in the town a host of organisations in Ipswich have joined together to help people make the most of their money.

A NEW scheme to get people talking about their finances in Ipswich has been launched.

As figures show more people than ever are struggling with debt in the town a host of organisations in Ipswich have joined together to help people make the most of their money.

The new “Now Let's Talk Money” campaign is hoping that by educating people about simple bank accounts and credit unions they can help bring people back to financial security.

Tansy Miller, the national project's stakeholder manager, said: “There is help out there for people and Ipswich is leading the way in having a positive response to the problem and tackling financial exclusion.

“Five organisations are trying to deal with the problem together which is a first for the region - Ipswich Credit Union, the Citizen's Advice Bureau, Suffolk County Council, Ipswich's housing associations and Help the Aged.”

The Citizen's Advice Bureau in Ipswich had 11,000 enquires from people concerned about debt in 2006, a rise of 11 per cent from 2005, and the average debt of those people was £13,000.

Miss Miller said many of these people may not have bank accounts but stressed that banks were now offering simple accounts with just a debit card for customers with poor credit ratings.

She added: “There has always been advice for people but now we are offering more advice.

“There are two extra debt-advisors working at the Ipswich CAB now and they will be able to see a lot more people.”

For more information about the 'Now Let's Talk Money' campaign visit www.nowletstalkmoney.com.

Are you struggling with debt? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.