Our vision
As we look to the future, we’re launching a fresh expression of Christians Against Poverty’s vision. This is the world we want to see. This is the world we passionately seek. It’s a big vision, and it starts with people like you.
Transformed lives
We want to see people across the UK released from poverty, living with faith in Jesus and hope for the future.
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Thriving churches
We want to see churches that have become the beating heart of their communities, actively serving them and bringing the hope of Jesus.
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An end to UK poverty
We want to see a hope-filled society, free from poverty, with churches united to improve the lives of those facing debt and financial hardship.
Discover moreTransformed lives
Debt and poverty continue to drain hope from people’s lives, and we’re not okay with that. Since CAP first began, tens of thousands of people have been helped through our free, community-based services, but there is much more to be done. Millions in the UK still face the practical and personal battles waged by debt, unemployment, low income and a lack of money education.
We’re committed to providing practical help and holistic support through local churches, partnering with those who share our heart, and proclaiming the good news of the gospel every step of the way.
We want to see people released from poverty, living with faith in Jesus and hope for the future. People like Trish, who bravely tells her story here. Trish experienced poverty from a young age while growing up in Chile, and this followed her into adult life. With the support of her local church and strength found through Jesus, she has now discovered life in a way she never knew existed.
Trish: I was left with a lot of debt after an abusive relationship ended. I felt like I wasn’t able to support my family and I couldn’t see a way out.
A friend who had been helped by CAP gave me the number to call (0800 328 0006). Jo [local CAP Debt Coach] listened and prayed with me. She said there was nothing that couldn’t be sorted, which gave me the confidence to keep going.
I’m now debt free, and I also went on a CAP Money Course. My faith has grown too. I wouldn’t have been able to cope if I hadn’t turned to God. Now I’m a CAP Life Skills Coach and I help at my church’s mother and toddler group. I’ve enjoyed teaching others, learning from them, and spreading the word of the Lord.
Thriving churches
The work we do at CAP isn’t just about the people we help. It’s also about inspiring churches to see that they can bring hope to their community. Local churches, after all, are God’s hands and feet on earth, and CAP is simply here to support and empower them as they strive to be all that God has called them to be.
A thriving church isn’t based on size, status or wealth – it’s a body of passionate, Christ-centred people committed to reaching out beyond the four walls of a building.
We want to see churches that have become the beating heart of their communities, actively serving them and bringing the hope of Jesus. Here, Matt, who is leader of Highworth Community Church in Swindon, recalls how their community has grown since joining with CAP and what a thriving church means to him.
Matt: In 2014, Highworth Churches Together decided to set up a CAP Debt Centre. We had a heart to be salt and light to people who are struggling, and we realised God’s love has to look like something.
CAP has given us an opportunity to meet people, offer friendship and be there with them beyond the practical stuff.
To me, a thriving church is one that is giving away. It’s about what has been passed along. It’s seeing people change. And since launching, we’ve seen hope return to 60 households as they became debt free, and more than 40 clients introduced to the love of Jesus.
My wife Kathryn (our CAP Debt Centre Manager) says, ‘We love getting to walk into someone’s home with Jesus, the hope of glory. CAP is a wonderful “bridge” that connects us to people in our community we might not otherwise meet’.
An end to UK poverty
We believe everyone should experience equal dignity, freedom and opportunity. Poverty robs far too many people of life in all its fullness, but God's kingdom offers a different vision.
Our prayer is that we, as God’s people, will have broken hearts where God’s heart is broken. We'd love you to join us and take action to improve our society.
Bit by bit, through the transformation of individual lives, churches united to improve the lives of those facing financial hardship, and systemic change, we will see poverty come to an end.
Gareth and Anthony come from very different backgrounds, but share a drive to see lasting change. Here’s how they’re advocating for an end to UK poverty.
Anthony (pictured): As a former client, I experienced firsthand how passionate CAP is about making things equal for people in society. I’ve been able to give back by sharing my story, working with the media and speaking directly to MPs.
The whole experience has ignited something in my heart. I want to continue advocating for an end to UK poverty. I believe change starts with a small stone being thrown in the water that creates big ripples. The more people we can get to come together, the louder our voice will be.
Gareth: As head of CAP’s External Affairs team, I get to influence how the UK works for people facing problem debt and poverty. I’ve recently been part of negotiating a framework for the first ever regulator of enforcement agents (bailiffs) in England and Wales.
At CAP, we serve those in need and challenge the systems that enable poverty to persist. We combine the expertise of those who have learned about poverty, and those like Anthony who have lived through it, to transform people, churches and society.
