OASIS Christian Centre in Redditch, which partners with debt help charity, Christians Against Poverty (CAP), is offering free debt help and Money Coaching courses in 2026 to help people beat the winter blues and take control of their finances.
This comes as the charity has revealed that 5.3million UK adults felt Christmas piled extra financial pressure on already stretched budgets, leaving many anxious about the year ahead.
CAP’s Redditch Debt Centre Manager Emma Marshall, said: “Winter often brings extra financial pressure and anxieties, and with household bills continuing to squeeze incomes, unfortunately many people will face a harsh financial reality.
“We know that 33 per cent of adults in the West Midlands have daily anxiety about their finances, and the post-Christmas period can really add to the financial pressure.
“But we want to offer the people in our community some hope – you do not have to face this alone. Whether you need a full debt solution or just some help to talk through and plan a budget that actually works, free help is available.
“So many people appreciate this face-to-face support – it gives us the chance to sit down, chat, and properly understand what you are going through. Whether you’re facing a mountain of unopened letters or just don’t know where to start, we can help you gather everything needed to put a plan in place.”
“Please, don’t let fear stop you from making that call. You do not have to carry this worry alone. There are friendly debt advisors at CAP who are ready to listen and help you change your life.”
To help households this New Year, CAP is also releasing its top five practical tips.
Do a benefits check-up. Millions of pounds in benefits and grants go unclaimed every year. Even if you work, you may be eligible. Use a free online benefits calculator (available at capuk.org/calculator) to check if you are missing out on income you don’t have to pay back.
Audit your subscriptions. It is easy to sign up for TV, music, and app subscriptions and forget them. Check your bank statement for direct debits you no longer use. Cancelling just two unused subscriptions could save you over £200 a year.
Check your contract status. Are you out of contract on your broadband or mobile? Loyalty rarely pays. If your contract has ended, you are likely overpaying. Switch providers or haggle with your current one to lock in a lower rate for 2026.
Try a ‘No-Spend’ challenge. Kickstart your savings by designating ‘no-spend days’ in January and February where you don’t buy anything other than absolute essentials. It helps reset some of the spending habits formed during the Christmas rush.
Seek help early. If you find yourself in unmanageable debt don’t wait. The earlier you seek free debt advice, the more options you have. Charities like CAP provide free, FCA-accredited debt help.
To learn more about CAP’s free services and resources, visit capuk.org or call CAP’s free helpline on 0800 328 0006.
