HEAVEN spent! A church is hoping to alter people’s financial habits by hosting a series of workshops on how to keep costs down.

St Andrew’s, in The Fremnells, Basildon , is the first place of worship in the area to bring in the sessions, which will teach people how to lead a more thrifty life.

Focusing on warding off debt and encouraging residents to ditch the plastic, the course is open to anyone, whether they attend the church or not, who wants to scroll through their spending habits and get tips about living more frugally. John Shaw, whose wife, Margaret, is the vicar, has undergone training with the charity Christians Against Poverty to run the scheme.

He said: “In the current economic climate, many people are really struggling with their finances, and this course empowers people to sort through their spending habits and have an in-depth look at what is going out and coming in.

“This is not just for people in debt, although they are very welcome. It’s more about taking control of your finances before you get to that stage.”

The workshops, which will take place at the church in both mornings and evenings to cater for working people, will be free when they begin in early September.

Mr Shaw said he hoped they would prove especially helpful to people nearing retirement, single parents and jobseekers.

But he emphasised that anyone who needed advice about budgeting would be welcomed.

He said: “People of any faith are welcome. You don’t have to come to the church to attend the course.

“We will take participants through their financial outgoings and income and help them set up and stick to a budget.

“It’s a friendly environment where people can get the help they want without any judgment.”

The course at St Andrew’s will start on Tuesday, September 4, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. A creche will be provided. An evening course will also run from 7.30pm. The course runs for three weeks. To book a space, call 07708 143897.