Today, a new telephone service, known as the NHS Stressline, was launched to help people who are entering into the New Year bundled with worries over debt, housing and employment.

Trained health advisers would be offering practical and helpful information to callers, and in case they are suffering from stress, anxiety and depression, the callers seeking help would be redirected to a much wider package of financial and mental health support.

The helpline has been piloted starting July 2009, and has, as of last figures recorded, managed to offer substantial help to over 1000 callers. NHS Stressline is linked to the Government's Therapies programme, and it will be the focus of the new campaign for public awareness in the New Year.

"The NHS Stressline is there to help improve people's mental and financial well-being. Whether it's practical advice, emotional support or the first step in getting treatment for depression, it will give people real help to tackle their money worries", said Phil Hope, Care Services Minister.

According to the Department of Health, debt can be a cause and consequence of many major health problems like stress and depression, but often, people do not know where to go for help. This is the population that the helpline is seeking to help.