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John Kirkby, the Founder of Christians Against Poverty, received the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) medal on Thursday 13 December. At an investiture ceremony held at Buckingham Palace, John was presented with the medal by His Royal Highness Prince Charles.

'I am absolutely bowled over to be receiving such an honour and it just shows what God can do,' said John on finding out he was to receive the CBE. 'I’d like to dedicate this to all our incredible supporters and volunteers, staff and to our clients. I hope that it also shows what God can do with one ordinary bloke from Bradford who meets an extraordinary God and says "yes".'

CAP's Chief Executive, Matt Barlow, said, 'No one could have put more into this than John has, and I know more than anyone that he didn’t do it for the recognition. However, I’m absolutely delighted – as we all are – to see him get this special award.'

(Photo of John and Prince Charles by PA Images)

An independent report from the London School of Economics (LSE) has reviewed the wider social impact of Christians Against Poverty and its partnering churches – and valued it at £32M a year.

The team from the LSE's Housing and Communities unit carried out more than 100 interviews with staff and clients and worked through more than 12,600 client records to find out just how we work and the social impact on society.

The report, called Never Just a Number, says CAP provides 'crucial' face-to-face support which goes far beyond simply debt advice. It describes the debt help as 'intensive and holistic' which is 'highly professional'.

Check out capuk.org/neverjustanumber

We're all very proud to say that John Kirkby - the man who began Christians Against Poverty - is to receive the CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

'I am absolutely bowled over to be receiving such an honour and it just shows what God can do,' said John who intends on accepting the commendation on behalf of everyone who has helped launch and sustain the charity now helping 23,000 people a year.

'I’d like to dedicate this to all our incredible supporters and volunteers, staff and to our clients. I hope that it also shows what God can do with one ordinary bloke from Bradford who meets an extraordinary God and says "yes".'

CAP's Chief Executive, Matt Barlow, said, 'No one could have put more into this than John has, and I know more than anyone that he didn’t do it for the recognition. However, I’m absolutely delighted – as we all are – to see him get this special award.'

John will be presented with the CBE at an investiture at Buckingham Palace later in the year.

Caseworkers at award-winning charity Christians Against Poverty are celebrating after the success of a landmark campaign saw a change in UK law help people who are in both mental health crisis and struggling with serious debt.

Campaigners from as many as 23 organisations, including CAP, lobbied parliament for extra breathing space for those in serious debt who are in hospital or under the care of a community crisis team.

The campaign, led by Martin Lewis’s Money and Mental Health Policy Institute and backed by more than 80 MPs, sought breathing space from further interest, charges and enforcement action as part of the Financial Guidance and Claims Bill.

The institute argued those in mental health crises struggle to seek debt advice but should not be excluded from 'breathing space' as a result. It estimates up to 23,000 people a year experience problem debt while in hospital for a mental health crisis.

In a recent survey, more than half of CAP’s clients said they live in a household where at least one person suffered from mental ill-health and 34% shared they had either considered or attempted suicide as a way out of debt.

Matt Barlow, CAP CEO, said: “We are delighted that common sense has prevailed. Every day we receive phone calls from people in desperate situations. We can help them and give them hope that there is always a way forward. However, it is more difficult for those calling from hospital. They shouldn’t have to be worrying about their financial problems while they are being cared for, but the breathing space should make all the difference.”

Christians Against Poverty is a charity that gives free help to everyone regardless of age, gender, faith or background. Starting 20 years ago, it first offered debt counselling and now offers a range of help to tens of thousands of people in hardship across the UK every year.

Anyone in need of help should call 0800 3280006.

Today CAP launches the latest Client report showing the unbelievable reality of debt and poverty in the UK and the hope CAP is able to bring through the local Church. The report aims to take the reader beyond the facts and figures and show them the deeply personal impacts of problem debt, how it feels and why holistic support is vital. Download the report here.

The report includes a foreword by CAP's Patron, Archbishop Justin Welby, who will also be speaking at the report launch this evening (Wednesday 21 March). The launch is taking place at the House of Lords, with more than 40 MPs signed up to come, along with members of the credit industry, national journalists and some brave clients who will be sharing their stories.