Anniversary milestone for debt centre
A LOUGHBOROUGH Debt Centre is celebrating its first anniversary with a special service at the church at which it is based.
The Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt centre is based at the New Life Community Church in De Montfort Close, Loughborough, and officially launched on January 13, 2019.
CAP helps people with problem debt and delivers a range of courses via CAP Job Clubs for jobseekers, the CAP Money Course which gives help on money management, CAP Life Skills which provides tools for managing on a budget and Fresh Start which supports people to break some habitual dependencies like smoking, drinking or internet gambling.
Examples of clients helped in the first year include one person who had not left their home for two years, for fear of the outside world, they were crippled by debt. With CAP going to see them they were able to see and talk to people from outside for the first time in a long long time.
Another was evicted from their home and CAP helped them move house, find safe and secure accommodation for them and get them help with paying off their debts.
One of the people helped by the centre said: “When I joined Christians Against Poverty (CAP) I was weighed down by debt and struggled with anxiety whenever the post arrived or the phone rang. Since joining CAP I now answer phone calls because I know that even though they are from a debt company CAP are there with me to take the burden off. I will never be able to thank CAP enough for everything they have done for me; they have given me a second chance to lead a life I could only have dreamt of whilst I hid from debt.”
Johnny Abbott, the debt centre manager said: “Our first year has been an incredible one, to be able to meet so many people who are in such desperate need and offer them hope for the future and to tell them that all is not lost, is just fantastic.
“Now the second year is almost here we are hoping that the work here will go from strength to strength and that those who are still crippled by debt will come forward, pick up the phone and seek help. We have found that that is often the hardest part, asking for help, but once someone makes that courageous step we are ready and willing to support them through their journey out of debt.”
Now a service will be held at the church at 10.30am on Sunday (January 19) to mark the milestone and reflect on its successful first year.
Johnny Abbott, Loughborough Debt Centre manager, said: “Our service is about more than just having a fun time together. It’s about celebrating everything that our clients have achieved this year because tackling debt takes a lot of courage and determination.
“They have worked hard and supported one another through ups and downs. It really does feel that we have become like a family. Everyone is welcome; whether you’ve been helped by our debt centre or our Food Bank, or if you just want to come along.”