FAMILIES who are struggling financially can access help closer to home after the launch of a Chard credit union.

Father Jeff Williams, of the Good Shepherd Church in Furnham, has worked alongside others in the town to bring the credit union for South Somerset – Camelot – to Chard.

Credit unions help people who may not be able to get credit in banks manage their money through affordable loans and opportunities to save with savers counted as members.

Every member has a say in how their credit union is run.

The service point will operate from the vicarage in Furnham Road on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month between 2pm and 4pm, starting this week.

Clients can join up there, pay in savings or collect application forms for a loan, which will be forwarded to the Camelot office at Unity Hall, Central Road, Yeovil.

For further details call Camelot on 01935-413038.