CAP: Helping People In Debt

As the festive season approaches, many of us struggle to manage our finances, and for some, particularly those already facing difficulties, Christmas can lead to an even deeper spiral into debt.

Since 1996, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has been helping people break free from debt. The charity was founded in Bradford by John Kirkby, who had experienced financial hardship himself and had even worked as a debt collector before turning to his local church for support. With their help, he regained control of his finances. Inspired by this, John set up CAP to provide free debt help, life skills training, and money coaching.

“…watching The Debt Saviours on TV inspired me to get involved.”

Today, CAP operates across the UK, with its head office in West Yorkshire, but services are delivered locally through churches in the community.

I spoke with Katie Oehring, Debt Centre Manager for Colne, Nelson, and Burnley, about the charity’s impact. “I’ve worked in addiction services and as a teacher before,” Katie explains, “but watching The Debt Saviours on TV inspired me to get involved.” The 2018 BBC documentary followed CAP’s efforts to help people become debt-free. Katie first volunteered as a befriender with the charity, accompanying debt coaches on visits to clients.

While the debt coach provides financial guidance, the befriender offers emotional support and a listening ear.

“I’m still in contact with one of the ladies I first befriended,” Katie smiles. “She’s been debt-free for three years now.”

CAP supports around a hundred households each year in this local area alone. Debt coaches and befrienders typically meet clients in their homes but can arrange to meet elsewhere if needed. “We help build up a financial picture of the person, and we offer more than just debt support as debt is often a symptom of a bigger issue. We run courses on money coaching and life skills—things like creating weekly food plans, shopping around for cheaper energy tariffs, and budgeting. We also offer drop-ins at St Bartholomew’s in Colne and St Philip’s Centre in Nelson.”

Katie’s team has helped 18 people become debt-free this year. While all her clients share the problem of debt, their circumstances are very different.

“We get messages saying that we’ve basically saved their lives because they couldn’t cope with the constant knocks at the door.”

“We help a whole spectrum of people, from vulnerable individuals who might struggle to get the help they need over the phone to families and young people.”

Some of the stories Katie hears are heartbreaking. “We get messages saying that we’ve basically saved their lives because they couldn’t cope with the constant knocks at the door. Having that worry lifted and being able to start afresh is huge. We had someone who couldn’t get his mum’s ashes back because he couldn’t pay the funeral costs, and we were able to help him with that.”

Unlike many debt-help companies, CAP’s services are entirely free. “We do the work because we want to help people, and we feel it’s God’s work,” Katie explains. While CAP’s staff are Christian, you don’t need to be a Christian to receive help. “We work with people of all faiths and none, and you certainly won’t be pressured into becoming a Christian.”

With the cost-of-living crisis, Katie has found that more people are in debt and struggling to get out. An increasing number of households now have deficit budgets, where their income doesn’t cover essential costs.

CAP staff: John Graver, Marie Malone, Katy Oehring, Anthony Holden

“We do a benefits check to make sure people are getting what they’re entitled to,” Katie explains. This will become especially important when the winter fuel allowance for pensioners is scrapped this year.

“We also try to reduce their outgoings, and that could mean using the community grocery at St Bartholomew’s Church in Colne. People pay £5 and get £30 worth of shopping. It’s not means-tested; anyone can use it.”

“People often make assumptions that people are in debt because they’ve bought things like big televisions, but that’s just not the case for most.”

Katie mentions a particularly challenging case: “I’ve got a lady at the moment who’s been massively impacted by the two-child benefit cap, which means her income is incredibly low. It’s difficult to find a solution, and it’s a hard time for so many people.”

She highlights the profound effect debt has on people’s lives. “Debt has such a massive impact on people’s mental health and every other area of life. Once you’re in debt, trying to get out is almost impossible. People often make assumptions that people are in debt because they’ve bought things like big televisions, but that’s just not the case for most. It’s about trying to pay council tax, water, electricity—basic things that just keep adding up.”

While debt coaches provide crucial financial advice, befrienders are an important part of CAP’s work, too. “One of my clients was really struggling and didn’t know how she was going to afford a birthday party for her little boy, so the befrienders and people at the church got together to make a birthday cake and buy him some presents.”

Befrienders have even raised money to revamp one client’s garden, giving her a place to relax.

Befrienders volunteer through their local church and accompany debt coaches on visits. “It can be daunting, so they are brilliant at having a chat and reassuring people that things are going to be all right. We’ve got befrienders who take people on trips, too.”

As part of the community grocery at St Bart’s, befrienders and the church community are also creating Christmas hampers this year for families who would otherwise struggle to afford presents. If you wish to donate, contact St Bart’s Church.

If you are struggling with debt, CAP offers free resources:
Free Debt Help Call: 0800 328 0006 Drop-ins for advice on debt, budgeting, money management, and benefit checks:

St Bartholomew’s Community Grocery, Colne – 2nd Friday of the month, 9.30-11 am
St Philip’s Centre, Nelson – 3rd Tuesday of the month, 10.30-12 pm

ColneLife Dec/Jan 24/25