Sunday 4th November 2018 will be Christians Against Poverty Sunday at Ballymena Baptist Church.
David McCaughey will be the speaker at this event, which will get underway at 11.30am.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) are a UK wide charity that are committed to tackling poverty and it’s causes. Here in Northern Ireland we have 45 frontline services including Debt Centres, Job Clubs, Fresh Start and Life Skills Groups.
John Maxwell, who is manager of the Christians Against Poverty Centre in Ballymena, says:
“Through our awarding winning Debt Counselling team, we visit people in their own homes and begin to understand the extent of their debt and what options are available. We can then help them build a budget that prioritises food and heating.”
“Our specialist teams will negotiate with creditors to get interest rates frozen, repayment terms agreed that are much more manageable, but above and beyond all of that, we’re there to draw alongside people, to support them, to provide a listening ear and help them believe that they’re not facing this alone.”
CAP’s debt counselling service is free.
CAP are here to help and support the vulnerable, those in the most difficulty, facing the storm of poverty, believing there’s no hope.
No one wants to feel isolated and alone. Yet family breakdown, mental health problems, bereavement and financial hardship can cause sudden, oppressive isolation – 37% of our clients have been afraid to leave their house. Before CAP’s help 67% have regularly skipped meals due to debt. 35% clients have considered or attempted suicide as a way out of debt prior to seeking help – a harrowing statistic.
John went on to say:
“CAP steps into these situations and provides in-depth debt counselling to support and empower individuals struggling with unmanageable debt to become debt free. CAP’s service is geared to accommodate those with complex needs and a level of vulnerability that extends beyond their financial situation. Clients are visited at home and time is taken to understand their individual circumstances and meet any immediate needs, for instance an emergency food shop. They receive initial debt advice in subsequent home visits, followed by support until they are debt free, from CAP’s head office.”
While working with CAP, negotiations and payments to creditors are handled on the client’s behalf and they can receive ongoing reassessment as their circumstances change. For many, the personal connection they build face-to-face, continues to be a lifeline throughout their journey out of debt, and can be drawn on when circumstances mean clients require extra support.
John also said:
“People often ask us does CAP work, and yes it does, 93% of our clients remain debt free long after CAP got involved. We’re here to provide long term, sustainable solutions, to empower people to take control of their finances, to provide a hope and a future.”
Get in touch with CAP if you need debt counselling support.
If you or someone you know needs the support of CAP please call our Freephone number 0800 326 0008 today. If you’d like to find out more information about CAP – then please go to the CAP UK website here.
CAP supporters and clients, past and present, are all welcome to Ballymena Baptist Church on Sunday 4th November 2018 for Christians Against Poverty Sunday.