When Cynthia first came to our Debt Advice Centre, she was at rock bottom.

“I was in huge debt,” said Cynthia. “I was behind on my rent, they wanted to evict me, I thought it was all over. I felt like leaving everything behind because there seemed no way out.”

Her turning point came when her rent officer gave her the phone number for Bonny Downs’ debt advice service. “I thought there was no hope for me. But the team really, really helped me 100,000 percent. They didn’t judge me. If you’re in huge debt, your life isn’t over. Come and meet them, they will put you back on track. I wouldn’t have known how to cope without their support.”

Debt is not just a financial problem; it also impacts people’s physical and mental wellbeing, evidenced in recent research by National Debtline. Before finding help, Cynthia’s mental health was in decline. “Sometimes I didn’t feel like opening my windows. I’d think, Cynthia what are you living for?”

Maria, our qualified Debt Advisor, with the support of a trained volunteer, can help clients get a Debt Relief Order, arrange repayment plans with creditors, and work out manageable household budget. With the team’s help, Cynthia learned to manage her finances, and came off benefits entirely. She is now working, paying her rent in full and supporting her family. The impact is far beyond clearing debts. Cynthia feels mentally happier and physically healthier.

“I have improved a lot. My self-esteem has gone up. Before I felt I was nothing, I was useless. Now I stand in front of the mirror and tell myself, ‘I’m beautiful.’ The debt team built me up. I even got an award at work! Even my GP noticed the change and asked what happened. I told him, ‘It’s my debt advice team.’ The doctors couldn’t solve my problems, but Maria did! Sometimes, it’s not that you are sick, but the situation, the poverty, the debt making you sick, thinking you have mental issues. Now, people see me and say, ‘Cynthia, you have changed.’ And I tell them it’s because of Bonny Downs Debt Advice Centre.”

Research from PwC says the amount of debt taken on by households is at record levels because of the cost of living crisis. Cynthia knows there are many others in the community who feel like she once did: trapped, hopeless, and on the brink.

“People are sick. People are committing suicide. With debt you think you cannot do anything, you feel condemned. But the debt advice team show you the way to build your life back. They are polite, patient, extremely patient. They give love. They care about you.”

Her appeal is simple:

“If not for Bonny Downs, I’d still be in debt, a burden on the government, and dying. But now, I’m working, paying my way, happy. Let the whole world know that this debt advice team is the best. There are many people out there who think their life is over. Please donate so they can get help to change their life like I did.”

Your support can transform lives.

Bonny Downs Community Association’s debt advice service is entirely free to those in need, but we need the generosity of people like you. Your donation will help keep this lifeline open, giving more people the tools, confidence, and hope to rebuild their futures.

If you’re not in a position to donate, we understand. You can still support us by sharing our link with your contacts and social media.

Can you help us to keep delivering services to change local lives for the better and transform our community? We need you: become a Friend, gift one-off donation, join as a volunteer, or provide corporate support.