REDDITCH Debt Centre – Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has been highlighting the devastating impacts debt has in the local community this week, writes Francesca Stevens.
It comes during Debt Awareness Week and as a new poll shows almost 10million UK adults are struggling to repay their debts.
Emma Marshall, a councillor and Redditch CAP debt centre manager has spoken frankly about the struggles people face and revealed the heartbreaking circumstances that can lead them to seek the service’s help.
She said: “Some may think people just get into debt because of overspending on luxuries but that isn’t the reality for the people we’re helping at CAP.
“Most people who come to us are overwhelmed by problem debt because of a change in circumstances that has caused a drop in their income.
“They may have lost their job or be unable to work because of their health or they have to care for a loved one.
“They may have experienced a relationship breakdown, or their partner may have passed away and now they’re relying on a significantly reduced income.”
She added CAP was also seeing an increase in people who had ‘deficit budgets’ – where incomes were so low they did not have enough to buy even the most basic essentials such as food and heating, and therefore had to rely on credit just to pay the bills.
Coun Marshall added: “The consequences of people trapped in debt is crippling for many, and can affect their sleep, their mental and emotional wellbeing and rob them of their dignity.
“It takes tremendous courage for someone struggling with debt to reach out.
“Some are ashamed to admit they are in debt, others are afraid of the unknown and may be wary of seeking debt help.
“But we want to assure people that we are here to help and can offer them free practical, face-to-face debt advice, and provide holistic support.”
She urged anyone facing the impacts of debt to seek help – anyone who is struggling can find more on CAP’s services at: capuk.org/help or by calling the free helpline on 0800 328 0006.
People can also go to: moneyhelper.org.uk for more on a wider range of free help available.
