Bea’s local church and CAP equipped her to not only become debt free, but also find hope and step out of the darkness. Read her debt free story here.
Trigger warning: This story has references to mental health and suicide, which may be triggering to some readers. If you need more support, contact your local GP or call Samaritans on 116 123.
Drowning in unpaid bills and struggling with mental health problems, Bea thought hope was out of reach. But one day, after leaving a doctor’s appointment, she stumbled upon a sign outside of her local church that read ‘Hope’. That’s when Bea met Debt Coach, Barney, and discovered CAP’s holistic support that helped her step out of the darkness.
Where Bea’s story begins
Bea and her husband worked all their lives. Despite this, after rent, food and other essentials, the money still couldn’t stretch. ‘My husband and I were struggling money wise, even though we were both working, and we were falling behind with payments.’
One thing led to another, and then I found out that I was being made redundant, which made me feel even worse.
‘I suffer with mental health problems, including depression. But then I hit what I call my milestone — I was so low, and I just couldn’t get back up again. I was at the point of not wanting to be here really, I’d just had enough. I forced myself to go to the doctors, and then went on medication.’
Did you know?
88%
of survey respondents from CAP’s 2024 client report said debt caused them to feel lonely
46%
of survey respondents from CAP’s 2024 client report had considered or attempted suicide as a way out of debt before seeking help
Unexpectedly finding hope in the darkness
‘I was just coming out of the doctors, and I was walking through St Chad’s Church. I saw the sign ‘Hope’ outside. Suddenly, something just said, “I think that’s what you need. A bit of hope.” I went into the church hall, and it was Barney and Emma who greeted me first, and I just fell apart straight away. Barney worked for CAP, and Emma was a volunteer there. I was in tears because of my situation, but people were there to listen and help me.’
A journey towards a brighter future
‘I’m the type of person who thinks they should be carrying everything all by myself, but then I realised that we weren’t coping, and I didn’t know what else to do. Then Barney explained that CAP could help me with my debts, and that they would come to my house. I was anxious, but I trusted him from the start. We went through my paperwork and got a Debt Relief Order to clear our debt. It was the most amazing feeling that somebody actually helped us.’
With Barney’s support, Bea was supported by CAP in more ways than one, and attended life skills and money coaching workshops after becoming debt free. They gave Bea the confidence and decision-making skills to live well on a low income. Bea even completed the online benefits calculator to get extra financial support that she didn’t know she was entitled to. ‘I’ve been so lucky with all the help, and we’re in a really good position at the moment. We’re in a place now where we know we’ve got enough money coming in.’
It’s like somebody was guiding me slowly. I’m also believing in God again, which has been a long time since I believed in it, and it’s good to know that God is still there. It’s given me this extra strength in life.
Did you know?
In 2023, local churches provided 132 CAP life skills groups, and 424 churches delivered money coaching workshops.
Hope restored
Bea’s hope was restored with the help of people like Barney, and incredible local churches like St Chad’s Church. At CAP, we work with local churches to release people trapped in the grip of poverty. With your regular gift, you can enable us to be there and help more people like Bea.
