Christian charity helps 35,000 become debt-free

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is celebrating 30 years of service, during which it has helped families clear over half a billion pounds of debt, given money or job coaching to over 100,000 people, and helped 35,000 become debt-free.

As CAP revealed in a new report, less than a quarter of their clients have the means to repay their debts in what is considered a suitable timeframe, down significantly from 40 per cent, 12 years ago. The level of debt clients owe has also soared, showing debt is a growing problem as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.

The organisation, which has given 80,000 people free debt advice, partners with about 1,000 local churches across the country and has provided crucial help to thousands of struggling families as economic challenges continue to plague many.

Speaking about its relationship with the church, CAP Chief Mission Officer Graeme McMeekin described local churches as the “engine room” of its work and the key to its success, with their position as “the lifeblood of their communities” providing an ability to reach many who would otherwise be unreachable.

He told en: ”Local churches are uniquely placed to respond to the crisis of poverty in the UK because they are already there, rooted in community… CAP provides the technical debt expertise, training and support that enables churches to serve people well. But we also equip churches in mission, evangelism and discipleship, helping them build meaningful relationships, share the hope of Jesus and walk alongside people for the long term.”

CAP has spent much of its recent history helping people to deal with the rising cost of living but has not been immune to the challenges rising costs have incurred. McMeekin revealed that CAP has had to “become leaner and more digitally efficient” with resources stretched to “maximum capacity,” but its supporters have ensured it has always been able to keep working, with its service becoming more important as time goes on.

Concerning the future, McMeekin stressed that an ongoing provision of “evangelism and social action” will continue to drive CAP’s work, with ongoing provision of debt help, job clubs, life skills groups and personalised support remaining centre stage, alongside lobbying efforts with decision-makers across industry and government to alleviate poverty across the UK.

He said: “We’re ramping up our efforts to see transformed lives, thriving churches and an end to UK poverty. Our aim is to better reach the clients that most need our face-to-face support with the right services and ensure the church is an anchor to someone’s CAP experience by working hand-in-hand with churches to provide exceptional support from the moment someone seeks help to the day they become debt free."