A series of films about real lives - now.
Jam Today.
The average family in Britain has debts of £1,500 - over and above the mortgage.
Christmas shoppers pack the stores, tempted to buy now, pay later. Newspapers advertise easy loans, shops offer immediate credit. But debt can bring despair into people's lives - affecting relationships, self-esteem, sometimes even the will to live.
In Manchester Lesley and Eddie Edwards owe E26,000 - and face losing their home. Irene and Rick Mulcahy did lose their home; now they live on a council estate.'
'Ruth', a magistrate, finds herself in the same difficulties as those who appear before her.
Naomi and Billy Smith vow never to take out loans again. 'Support in Debt', a unique self-help scheme, helps them all cope with the problem most people are too ashamed to admit.... Photography
CHRIS SEAGER , RICHARD RANKEN Film editor SIMON ROSE
Producer JULIA MCLAREN
40 Minutes editor EDWARD MIRZOEFF
0 WODDIS ON: page 104
If CEEFAX SUBTITLES