Charity hailed as debt saviours

Nearly 40 families in Highland Perthshire have been freed from debt thanks to the work of an anti-poverty charity.

Christians Against Poverty (Cap), whose work features in BBC documentary Debt Saviours on Friday night, works “to lift the burden for people who are crushed under the weight of debt”.

The Highland Perthshire branch of the charity has been working with families for five years. The group is raising awareness of its work to mark Challenge Poverty Week, which runs until Sunday.

Elaine Nadl, from the charity, said: “Our holistic free debt service supports people practically and emotionally through the journey to become debt-free.

“In Scotland already this year, 76 people have gone debt-free thanks to support from Cap.

“Our debt coaches visit folk in their homes and by looking at their debts, paperwork, personal circumstances, etc they create a budget and find a solution to help people out of their debt and find a future filled with hope.

“Cap negotiates with creditors to stop or reduce unfair interest charges and by silencing the countless phone calls, letters and demands, we can immediately begin to lessen the stress and anxiety of our clients.”

Charity founder John Kirkby was recently awarded a CBE.

The Cap model is now being used in countries such as New Zealand, Australia and Canada.