DURING Debt Awareness Week, Redditch Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre, working with Acts of Kindness (AOK), has been highlighting the growing financial pressures facing local people and urging anyone struggling to seek free help.
The awareness campaign which began on Monday and runs until Sunday, March 16 to 22, coincides with a community fundraiser in the town centre.
Resident Chris Hall has been completing a gruelling 60-hour challenge, cycling for 12 hours-a-day over three days while sleeping rough overnight to raise funds for CAP, Acts of Kindness and BEN’s.
Chris Hall said his 60-hour challenge was intended to reflect the reality many people were living daily.
He added: “For me, this will be three days of physical exhaustion – long hours cycling and sleeping rough in the cold.
“But for many people in Redditch, that exhaustion isn’t a challenge – it’s everyday life. Sleepless nights, constant worry and relentless pressure.
“If this challenge raises awareness and helps secure funding so these vital services can continue, then every mile will be worth it.”
Emma Marshall, CAP Debt Centre manager in Redditch, said: “Living in debt and poverty is simply awful and yet it affects so many people in our town.
“We meet people who are lying awake at night worrying about bills, skipping meals to make ends meet, or feeling completely overwhelmed by letters and phone calls from creditors.
“It often takes one life event – redundancy, illness, bereavement – to tip someone into crisis.
“From there, debt can spiral quickly.
“The anxiety and isolation that follow are exhausting.
“No one should have to face that alone.”
CAP in Redditch, based at 24 Church Green East, offers free, face-to-face, FCA-registered debt advice, while Acts of Kindness provides wellbeing support, financial inclusion guidance and food support.
Together, they work to prevent people from falling deeper into crisis and to help them build long-term resilience.
Mrs Marshall added: “It takes tremendous courage to step through the door and ask for help. But there is a way forward.
“We have seen lives transformed when people receive the right support, practical guidance and someone to walk alongside them.”
Funding is particularly critical this year as rising operational costs place increased strain on local charities.
Although supported by volunteers, services such as CAP’s free debt advice rely on community fundraising to remain available.
Residents struggling with debt or financial difficulty can seek free help by visiting: capuk.org/help or calling 0800 328 0006.
Visit: justgiving.com/campaign/60hourchallenge to donate to Chris’ fundraiser.
