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The Flipping Marvellous Pancake Party is back for a third year! Last year was a huge success, resulting in over £18,000 raised to see families across the UK released from the grip of poverty.

We’d love to see as many people as possible hosting a Pancake Party on or around Shrove Tuesday (25 February). These events are designed to be fun and relaxed but, as last year showed, they can have an enormous impact. Every pancake tucked into helps to bring freedom and hope to those most in need. Funds raised will enable local churches to continue their truly life-changing work, in partnership with CAP.

Those interested in hosting a Pancake Party are invited to tailor their event as necessary. Campaign Manager Naomi Dunn says, 'Whether you choose to bring people in the community together in your church hall, have a get-together with a few friends in your living room, or host a breaktime brunch in your office kitchen, your Pancake Party could be the recipe to a family’s future looking bright again.'

Find out more and order your free Pancake Party pack today.

Former Head of Production for BBC Sport, Paula Stringer, has been at CAP for a year as Executive Director. From this week, she's our new UK CEO! In this in-depth interview, we learn more about her story, her faith and why CAP's mission is especially close to her heart.

Matt Barlow, CEO - UK and International, is set to leave CAP next year after more than 20 years of fighting poverty and debt in the UK.

He is moving on to become the leader of the church he attends with his family in Bradford.

Paula Stringer, who joined as Executive Director a year ago from a senior role at the BBC, has stepped into his shoes as UK CEO. 

Chair of Directors, Roger Hattam, said the Trustees were unanimous that Paula was perfectly placed to take CAP’s vision into the future.

Watch the video below to find out more.

Over the past couple of weeks CAP's External Affairs team has been at the Labour and Conservative party conferences. Between them, they’ve represented CAP at 24 meetings and events, connecting with others working to tackle UK poverty. Rachel Gregory, CAP’s Social Policy Manager said:

‘While it’s been an interesting and turbulent time politically, there are lots of vital issues that we cannot take our sights off. We’ve attended events about food poverty, financial inclusion, bailiff regulation, Universal Credit and loneliness to name a few. My favourite quote from this week came from Alison Garnham, CEO of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), who said, "Poverty is policy responsive, if we do the right things it goes down". That’s why, while the conferences are over for another year, we will continue to speak out to see the changes needed.’

A report from CAP outlining the difficulties faced by the poorest households looks set to change the way energy companies regard vulnerable families.

The Poor Pay More, written in 2014, raised the issue of self-disconnection for those on prepayment energy meters and CAP has been glad to work with Ofgem on this issue.

42% of CAP debt clients use prepayment meters for their energy so this is a cause close to our hearts.

Now the regulator is proposing a list of requirements for energy companies to protect those whose extreme circumstances mean they have run out of credit – and have no hot water, light or heating.

Proposals out for consultation include energy firms having to:

• Offer support
• Give emergency credit or discretionary credit and
• Consider people’s ability to repay debt on prepayment meters.

Ofgem will be considering feedback on the proposals from charities and suppliers and will publish its final rules in the next couple of months.