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New report shows millions are turning to local churches for help

CAP debt coach, Steve, sat in a church with a CAP client, smiling at them. There is a large white cross in the background.
The new report, ​‘Beyond belief: the local church and poverty’, shows local churches and Christian organisations play a significant role in practical care and support to communities across the UK. CAP’s latest findings indicate millions have received assistance. 

Report summary

CAP’s UK-wide polling conducted by Opinium confirms that local churches are making a positive impact on struggling families, and are a crucial lifeline, helping people break free from the grip of debt and poverty.

For 30 years, CAP has partnered with local churches to run debt centres, offering free, face-to-face debt help to vulnerable people. This work has resulted in thousands of families becoming debt-free, less isolated, and more connected to their community. 

The report highlights that churches offer a range of essential support that contributes to community wellbeing, such as free debt advice, food and clothing, mental health support and more. The report includes powerful case studies, like Jade’s story, which shows the life-changing impact of combining practical help with compassionate care.

The statistics

23% 
of UK adults report that they, a family member or a friend have received support from a local church or Christian organisation within the last five years 
65% 
of UK adults say they think that churches and Christian organisations will play an important role in providing support for those struggling in the next twelve months 

Our research shows local churches are providing vital help to UK families during these times of financial difficulty. 

Stewart McCulloch, Chief Executive Officer 
Click here to download the report

Beyond belief: the local church and poverty

Read the statistics and insights by downloading our 2025 report

Download the report