Celebrating five years of helping folk get out of their debt problems

CHRISTIANS Against Poverty will be celebrating five years since the Cheltenham Debt Centre opened next month.

CAP offers several different services: in Cheltenham currently only their debt counselling and money management services are available.

CAP works through a network of about 300 local offices that exist in partnership with a local Churches.

The Cheltenham Debt Centre is supported by a consortium of 10 churches is led by C3 Church.

Individuals, often in desperate situations, seek the assistance of the charity, having been signposted by a wide variety of organisations, including the Job Centre, NHS Mental Health staff, and the Food Banks.

Clients give authority to the CAP staff to negotiate with creditors, and the charity will then organise the clients’ finances with the objective of making them debt free within five years.

The caseworker will create a sustainable budget for clients, prioritising basic living needs and offering creditors fair, affordable pro-rata payments as far as this is possible.

As a part of the service, for which there is no charge, CAP also provide close-in support using volunteers from associated churches, to help clients bring their life back on track.

In five years, the Cheltenham Centre has received more than 200 inquiries, representing 270 adults and 110 children.

The birthday celebration on June 16, will be addressed by CAP’S chief executive Matt Barlow,, Alex Chalk MP and councillor Roger Whyborn, who have been very supportive of the charity’s work in the area.