Christians Against Poverty (CAP), has been partnering with local churches across the UK for the last 30 years to offer free debt advice, job clubs, money coaching and a range of other help to support people out of debt and poverty.
A landmark report from CAP marking its 30th year in operation shows how local churches are transforming lives by providing face-to-face debt help to those most in need. In this new report, as part of its 30th anniversary year, it shows how local churches are tackling poverty and freeing people from dangerous debt.
Since it launched in 1996, Christians Against Poverty’s church movement has seen:
• Over £500m debt repaid or written off.
• Over 80,000 people receive free debt advice.
• Over 35,000 people become debt free.
• Over 100,000 people provided with face-to-face money or job coaching.
Former CAP client, Sharon, faced spiraling debt while trying to provide for her kids after a difficult relationship breakdown: “I was hiding in the bedroom, curled up in a corner on the floor. I felt there was no hope. I didn’t want to live any more.”
She sought the help of Christians Against Poverty and her local church and is now debt free.
“CAP doesn’t just change your debts, it changes you as a person,” says Sharon. “When I was all on my own, I thought there was never any hope. Now I’m living a brighter, bigger, more colourful life.”
At the same time, the report also shows an 88% rise in ‘dangerous’ debt levels for UK families in need.
CAP’s Northern Ireland National Leader, Victoria Baird, says: “In Northern Ireland, we’re people who walk alongside one another and care for our communities; it’s at the heart of who we are. But to face this crisis, we need to come together with renewed compassion and shared purpose, each playing our part.“
“Poverty today is deeper, more challenging and even more complex than when the CAP movement began 30 years ago. Too many basic needs are not being met. It means children in our communities going hungry, people without heat in their homes, and families living in fear of the next bill. This has to change for our region.”
“We know poverty can be beaten. Across Northern Ireland, our churches, working with Christians Against Poverty, are walking alongside people through their toughest times. They are restoring hope, helping families become financially resilient and giving them the opportunity to thrive in life.”
“Join us in making a difference. With your support, we can ensure no one has to face poverty alone and together, we can see lasting change across Northern Ireland.“
CAP is asking people to join the movement by donating £7.00 a month at: capuk.org/donate to tackle poverty and restore hope to families facing the most difficult circumstances.
