Debt Awareness Week

This week is Debt Awareness Week, StepChange’s awareness campaign that challenges the stigma attached to debt, you can find out more here

For local CAP Debt Centres such as Ely and District CAP it is an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges that people struggling with debt face and that there is free help and hope available.

This is not a small issue only faced by a few in our communities. CAP research carried out in January has found that nearly a third (32%) of adults in the East of England report having debt that they are struggling to repay, and nearly half (48%) report regularly feeling anxious about their finances. You can find out more about CAP polling here

Living in debt and poverty is an awful reality affecting so many people. There are many reasons why people may fall into unmanageable debt, but there’s often a change in circumstance or an unfortunate life event that can cause a person to have less income and therefore become reliant on credit. Facing illness, bereavement, a relationship breakdown, job loss, or other challenges can make someone more susceptible to the harmful effects of debt, reliant on credit just to survive and less able to break free from poverty. All this alongside the physical and mental health impacts of such life changes.

The harsh reality for people trapped in debt is that it can be crippling: many are cold, hungry and alone in their struggles. They battle with daily anxiety about their finances and have restless, sleepless nights. Those with financial struggles may find it difficult to reach out for help due to feelings of shame or being judged. This can lead to them feeling trapped in debt, isolated and silent. Spiralling debts may be just one of many personal struggles that someone facing an illness or a tragic loss might be dealing with. This can have a huge impact on a person’s wellbeing and ability to cope. There are also greater numbers of people struggling with debt who are also facing mental health issues and other complex struggles.

Accessing affordable support can also be a real challenge, especially for those with vulnerabilities or additional needs. The rising cost of living, particularly for basic essentials such as food and energy, coupled with static household income that is not keeping pace with the cost of living, is also making it difficult for many households, often hitting those on low incomes the hardest.

As Christians Against Poverty we want to assure people that there is a way to break free from debt and have a hope for the future. The free, face-to-face debt and budgeting help that our debt coaches and visit team bring into the homes of our clients offers practical support, and provides unique care, prayer and emotional support not just for the journey out of debt but for the whole of life's journey as well - it brings the gift of hope.

Psalm 34: 18 (NIV)

18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Matthew 11: 28 - 30 (NIV)

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Prayer

Pray for all those who are struggling with the darkness of debt and cannot see a way out, a way forward. Pray that they would hear about the help that Ely and District CAP can offer, and the strength to be able to reach out and ask for help.

Pray for our debt coaches and visit team, for the light and hope that they bring into our clients homes - the message that there is a way forward and someone who can can provide love and support for the whole of life's journey.

Next Prayer Meeting

The next prayer meeting will be Wednesday 1st April 7pm at the Countess Church. This is a great opportunity to meet together, share CAP news, catch up and pray together for the work of Ely and District CAP. Please do come along and bring along any friends who may be interested in finding out more about Ely and District CAP.