Read our press release here.
As the post-Christmas bank statements arrive, a charity is launching a new campaign to encourage those facing financial issues to “Break the Debt Blues” and get free, professional debt help.
National debt help charity, Christians Against Poverty (CAP), has revealed that 5.3* million UK adults felt Christmas piled extra financial pressure on already stretched budgets, leaving many anxious about the year ahead. With rising household bills continuing to squeeze incomes, CAP is warning that this New Year many households will be facing a frightening financial reality.
To combat this, CAP is offering free, face-to-face debt help and money coaching across the UK, alongside a suite of online tools designed to help people regain control of their cash.
The first few weeks of the New Year can be tough, but for millions of people this financial strain is acute. We know that over 15** million people in the UK suffer daily anxiety about their finances, and the post-Christmas period often adds more pressure.
CAP’s Chief Executive Officer, Stewart McCulloch
“Our message with our Break the Debt Blues campaign is simple: you do not have to face this alone. Whether you need a full debt solution or just some help to talk through and plan a budget that actually works, free help is available.
“If you are worried about making that first call, I want you to know how easy it is—and just how friendly our CAP team is. On that first call, we’ll connect you with your nearest debt centre, provided in partnership with a local church, and arrange for one of our debt coaches to meet you in person.
“So many people appreciate that face-to-face support; it gives us the chance to sit down, chat, and properly understand what you are going through. Whether you’re facing a mountain of unopened letters or just don’t know where to start, we can help you gather everything needed to put a plan in place.”
Former client, Sharon, who now organises drop-ins at her local debt centre to help others, talks about how the friendly, practical help she received from CAP changed her life:
I was a mum with young kids, thousands of pounds in debt, and I honestly thought I’d never get out of the mess I was in. Then I heard about CAP. I made that first call to their helpline and was introduced to a local debt advisor—a wonderful lady called Kathryn who changed my life.
Former client, Sharon
“Kathryn and a CAP Befriender Carol who accompanied her, sat with me and we opened the piles of bills I’d been too terrified to face. They held my hand through the whole process, helping put a debt management plan in place. Today, I am completely debt-free.
“This New Year, I have one thing to say to anyone who is in the situation I faced — please, don’t let fear stop you from making that call. You do not have to carry this worry alone. There are friendly debt advisors at CAP who are ready to listen and help you change your life, just like they did mine.”
5 WAYS TO ‘BREAK THE DEBT BLUES’
To help households this New Year, CAP is also releasing its top 5 practical tips:
Do a ‘benefits check-up’: Millions of pounds in benefits and grants go unclaimed every year. Even if you work, you may be eligible. Use a free online benefits calculator (available at capuk.org/calculator) to check if you are missing out on income you don’t have to pay back.
Audit your subscriptions: It is easy to sign up for TV, music and app subscriptions, and then forget about them. Check your bank statement for direct debits you no longer use. Cancelling just two unused subscriptions could save you over £200 a year.
Check your contract status: Are you out of contract on your broadband or mobile? Loyalty rarely pays. If your contract has ended, you are likely overpaying. Switch providers or haggle with your current one to lock in a lower rate for 2026.
Try a ‘No-Spend’ challenge: Kickstart your savings by designating ‘no-spend days’ in January and February where you don’t buy anything other than absolute essentials. It helps reset some of the spending habits formed during the Christmas rush.
Seek help early: If you find yourself in unmanageable debt, don’t wait! The earlier you seek free debt advice, the more options you have. Charities like CAP provide free, FCA-accredited debt help.
For more down to earth practical advice, look for a church in your local area running a CAP service, like money coaching, life skills groups or job clubs. It could change your life.
To find out if there’s a CAP debt centre near you either visit capuk.org or call CAP’s helpline on 0800 328 0006. For online free budgeting tools, you can also visit capuk.org/money
