Seriously worried about work colleague?

I posted about a work colleague who was being made redundant and wanted to thank all those who replied. Since he left on Wednesday I have found out alot of what is going on in his life. I became quite friendly with him but he was very cagey about his private life and after talking to a work colleague it appears that he has been telling lies about his life and I feel that he is heading for a breakdown.

He told me he was divorced that he had two children and a third inherited one. It turns out he is not divorced and his 'ex' has got mental health problems and living in their spare room and racking up debts on credit cards. She also ran away just before Xmas. He now has no job, his youngest son is having panic attacks and the guy can't even afford petrol. I leant him 20.00 said he would give it back, he couldn't, so I let him off.

We have text each other and I have asked him to meet up, he says its a good idea but cancels it. I want to help him to get help but how?

You sound like a really good friend. Here is what i once got told...

you cant help someone unless they ask/accept help.

You have done the right thing by 'placing an offer on the table' but you are not in control of his life, if he comes and seeks your help then you can, otherwise you must not let this get you down.
I mostly feel sorry for the children, it seems it all may be too much for him, in that case i suggest you tell him to go and speak with his doctor.

Good luck, and it shows you are a kind hearted person

Also dont lend him anymore money, as that is not is way out.

maybe a caring organisation or a local charity may be able to help with information ,but be careful as he was lying about it all he maybe embarrassed and if you ty to force help on him it may turn him against you.
try going to his house and sitting down and asking him how you can help.

don't get drawn in, you don't know whether what you are being told is the truth, any of it.
If he lies about one thing, he will lie about others, keep away.

and like, telling thousands of users on here is gonna help him ?

if he cancels and you dont go around to his theres nothing you can so