When poverty pushes people into dark places, they often can’t see a way out. But your faithful gift to CAP is changing lives. You’re caring for someone as a person, not just a case to solve. The holistic care and debt help you provide is vital to people just like Bea.
In June 2023, Bea and her husband Keith were both made redundant. Like over half of our clients, Bea’s income was simply not enough to live on. She felt hopeless, with no way out.
I got to the point where I didn’t want to be here. I was in a black hole, and I couldn’t get out.
One day, sobbing on her way home from a difficult GP appointment, Bea saw a ‘hope’ sign outside her local church. ‘I need a bit of that!’ she thought, and decided to go inside.
Here, she met Barney (Debt Coach) who made her a cup of tea and held her hand while she cried.
From that day, she felt the start of hope, knowing people were there for her.
I realised somebody was there for me. When someone listens to you, believes in you, tells you there’s a way out… it gives you an amazing feeling of hope.
Will you be there for someone like Bea with a monthly gift to CAP today?
In September, the church jumped into action, arranging food parcels to be delivered to Bea and Keith.
This was a huge relief, easing the pressure on the couple’s budget while they worked hard to become debt free, and meaning they didn’t have to worry about going hungry.
In October, Bea discovered our online benefits calculator, designed together with charity Turn2us. Like nearly 24,000 people who are better off thanks to the calculator, the couple discovered they were entitled to £270 extra weekly income.
All the years we’ve worked long hours and struggled to make ends meet, with the cost of living and bills and loans… I couldn’t believe we were entitled to extra benefits!
In January 2024, Bea and Keith became debt free! But this wasn’t the end of their journey, as Barney and their local church continue to be there, making sure the couple are equipped with everything they need to thrive moving forward.
Bea and Keith both signed up to their local church-based money coaching course, which equipped them to build a budget that worked for them.
They also each attended a job club, run through their local church, to help them get back into work. Their eyes were opened to new possibilities, and the options available to them.
CAP’s money coaching workshops really helped – I learned so much. It made me and Keith’s relationship better too. Keith came back from the job club buzzing, saying it’s the best job club he’s ever been to.. I (Bea) never knew I had so many options! I feel so positive about the future.
In July 2024, Bea had her first appointment as a CAP Befriender, meeting and supporting others who have found themselves in debt. She says,
If I can give someone the hope I have, I will be doing good’, she says. ‘People gave out from their hearts to help me. So I want to give out from my heart to help others.
Poverty is stealing hope and dignity from so many people. But, as followers of Jesus, we can’t accept that.
Tens of thousands of people have broken free from debt and poverty with CAP since 1996. Together we can bring hope to those who see no way out of debt and poverty.
Please will you provide life changing support to people like Bea by setting up or increasing your regular gift to CAP?
Hundreds of local churches across the UK are delivering holistic, compassionate support alongside our professional, expert debt advice. They pray for clients, welcome them, love them, listen and provide practical support.
CAP’s church-run job clubs are friendly groups where people can gain the tools they need to find work. Our trained volunteers take time to understand each person’s hopes and challenges.
CAP works with local churches to provide financial education for anyone, free of charge. Our money coaching workshops can be life-changing – but they need even more regular support from people like you.
All statistics from CAP client report 2024: Under the rubble of debt and poverty (May 2024).
*Monthly and increase giving impact statements based on twelve months of giving.
