Episode 5

In Brighton, East Sussex credit union is coming of age and celebrating 18 years of helping its members save and borrow responsibly. Members like student Jabulani, who needs a £1,500 loan to visit his sick mother in South Africa. She has diabetes, and as the only son, Jabulani needs to fly out to look after her.

A couple from Boston in Lincolnshire set up a gym with a difference, focusing on friends rather than building biceps. It is inclusive to all regardless of age or ability thanks to a £70,000 loan that enabled them to get financially fit.

In Looe, Cornwall, an ethical loan inspires children to fight the plague of plastic pollution. Former teacher turned author Ellie needs a £12,500 loan to enable her to publish her children’s books inspiring people to clean up their local beaches, after she and her family were part of a turtle release in Australia.

And half of adults struggling with debt also have a mental health issue, something 41-year-old Chris from Chester knows only too well. Chris suffered from anxiety, manic episodes and depression from an early age. Living beyond his means plunged him up to £35,000 in debt. Chris finally got involved with the mental health charity Rethink Mental Illness. He is now sober, debt free and helps others through peer-support work with the charity.