11:50am Sunday 14th March 2010
By Laura Kitching
A NEW support group for bankrupt people has been launched in Weymouth.
The Help and Support for Bankrupt People project has secured a site for a drop-in centre in Chapelhay shopping precinct.
It has been established by a former businessman who went bankrupt and ended up in prison, and who says he understands the stress involved.
Ian Lambert, aged 47, of Rodwell Road, Weymouth, says the project will provide free counselling services and non-judgemental support.
Mr Lambert said: “It’s a new community project to help and support bankrupt and insolvent people.
“We’re opening a drop in centre at Chapelhay, where the Lantern charity shop was before it moved within the precinct.
“The centre aims to help and support bankrupt and insolvent people to get back on their feet.
“Being made bankrupt is probably one of the most stressful times in your life.
“Most people think once you’re bankrupt the stress is gone but actually it’s when it starts.”
The project has already secured a £3,000 grant from UnLtd, a charity which supports social entrepreneurs, but other than that Mr Lambert said the group has been established ‘on a wing and a prayer and knocking on doors’.
He said Weymouth businesses have been ‘overwhelmingly supportive’ of the project and Jewson builders merchants has provided £600 worth of building material.
Mr Lambert said: “Jewson’s have really come to our aid because their donation will enable us to build a soundproof therapy and consultation room.”
Mr Lambert used to buy and sell on the internet before he went bankrupt in 2005.
He was sent to prison in 2007 when it emerged he had withdrawn £12,000 from his bank account before being made bankrupt without a reasonable excuse.
Mr Lambert said: “I had a legal issue over bankruptcy and ended up being sent to prison. I decided to set up a support group in Weymouth because this town is a hotspot for bankruptcy.
“Once you’ve gone bankrupt nobody wants to know. It’s almost like you’re being kept down in a poverty trap.
“This project aims to give people hope.”
To find out more about the project visit www.hs4b.org
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