CHURCHES in Okehampton have offered spiritual and emotional support to those affected by the recent job losses in the town.

Church leaders say they are available to offer support and advice, or even just a listening ear.

Rector of Okehampton and chair of Christians Together, the Rev Stephen Cook, said ministers from all the churches had been discussing what they could do to help

'Okehampton has a very good community spirit and all sorts of agencies are coming together to see what might be offered by way of support and advice.

'All the churches have members who are affected by the recent news and we are offering whatever help we can. It may be that we can facilitate support groups through the various buildings we have in the town. We can also offer a listening ear to anyone who wants to talk.'

The Rev Mike Davies from Inspiration Church has been running courses for many years, supporting marriages and couples.

He said: 'Financial anxiety can put an enormous burden on any relationship. The majority of couples struggling, and who look for advice, frequently testify that financial difficulty does cause continuous arguing.

'My concern is that several of our Okehampton families will now have such pressures placed upon them that it may well lead to depression and family tension. The various churches in Okehampton do offer a lot of support in such matters.'

Darren Pike, minister of Okehampton Baptist Church, and one of the founders of the Okehampton Foodbank, urged people to support the project, as many of those being made redundant faced a significant wait for benefits and redundancy payments. All the churches will be encouraging people to give food and asking for volunteers to support the service.

A prayer group is meeting on Mondays in St James Chapel from 9.30am until 10am to focus on the needs of the town. 

Anyone wishing to speak to a local church minister can phone the Rev Stephen Cook on 01837 659297, and he will put them in touch.

l 'Drop in and chill out' — that is the invitation to anyone affected by redundancy from the Inspiration Centre in Okehampton.

Working in conjunction with the Okehampton Foodbank, every Wednesday and Friday between 1pm and 3pm, the Inspiration Centre will be open for those wanting to drop in for a chat and a cup of tea or coffee.

No professional advice will be given, but there is the chance to talk to someone who is willing to listen if you wish.

The Inspiration Centre is at the corner of Northfield Road and Crediton Road in Okehampton.