A CHURCH in Redditch is celebrating after helping local people out of a combined total of £281,000 worth of debt as they fight against poverty and the cost-of-living crisis.
Oasis Christian Centre partners with debt help and budgeting charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to run a free debt help service for people in Redditch and Bromsgrove.
How CAP has helped
Since launching in 2021, the CAP Debt Centre team has helped 21 local people get out of the staggering total of personal debt.
Redditch Debt Centre manager, Caroline Gray, said: “This is a huge success for us and we’re celebrating every local person who is now debt free after working with Oasis Christian Centre and Christians Against Poverty.
“Debt can happen to anyone for a range of reasons and has a devastating impact on people’s lives.
“Many of the people we help have got into debt because they are on a low income, struggling to afford basics like food and energy.”
What can lead to financial trouble
Caroline said anything can lead to debt.
A change in circumstances or an unexpected bill can put people into financial difficulty.
With the rising costs of basic needs, and no sign of the cost-of-living crisis easing, the service CAP provides is needed more than ever.
She added: “Struggling with mental ill-health is also common for people in debt and that makes it so much more difficult for them to deal with the problem on their own.
The charity offer free, face-to-face, non-judgemental help, to ensure people can get back on their feet as quikcly as possible.
Caroline added: “We meet with the person in debt and work with them alongside CAP’s expert debt advisors to find the best solution for their situation.
“We help them with budgeting and support them all the way to becoming debt free.
“Working your way out of debt can be a difficult journey, but free debt help can make such a huge difference to an individual or family’s life.
“It’s an absolute privilege to do this job and to see how our work gives people in Redditch a fresh start and hope for the future.”
How to seek help
Residents struggling with theirr finances, you can find out more about what services CAP offers in their area by visiting capuk.org/help or calling 0800 328 0006 free of charge.
Visit moneyhelper.org.uk for more information on a wider range of free help available.
