CAP
CAP Debt Counselling
Christians Against Poverty is a national debt counselling charity with a network of 160 centres based in local churches www.capuk.org . CAP offers hope and a solution to anyone in debt through its free, unique, in-depth service. CAP aims to show God’s love in action by providing sustainable poverty relief through debt counselling, advice and practical help. CAP’s unique ‘hands on’ approach empowers people to help themselves out of poverty and be released from the fear, oppression and worry generated by overwhelming debts. We are providing sustainable poverty relief as our service teaches clients vital budgeting skills that will last a lifetime.
How it works: A Debt Coach meets clients in their homes gathering the necessary information and paperwork. This is then sent to the CAP Operations Centre in Bradford, England where a Specialist Debt Counselling Team negotiates with creditors and works out a realistic repayment plan for the clients, getting interest stopped and charges dropped. The Debt Coach then meets with the client bringing this practical solution.
The Causeway Coast CAP Centre Manager is David Kelly, with Ian Hannah joining him as Debt Coach. Within the first year of operation we had over 50 clients, with a total of £800,000 personal debt (excludes mortgages), working with us, paying in regularly with creditors with some clients debt free already. A large number of our clients live in fear, anxiety, and depression; some even despair of life itself. We also seek to provide emotional support, therefore a Befriender from our volunteer Support Team accompanies the Debt Coach for all visits as well as providing additional follow-up support with clients. Through this emotional and practical support, many clients have said they ‘felt the pressure lift off them’.
Get Support
Whatever your situation, there is hope! To make an appointment for our Debt Coach to come and visit you in the privacy of your own home, call CAP’s freephone number 0800 328 0006. This line is open Monday to Friday during office hours. The call is free from a landline, and if you are on a mobile CAP will call you back.
Get Involved
There are a few specific ways in which you can volunteer within CAP:
Day Befriender – accompanies the Debt Coach on client visits during the day and possibly follows up the clients long term with Befriending
Evening Befriender – Meets clients by doing an initial Food Shop with them, then befriends clients long term, going out for coffee etc – during evenings & weekends
Client Events Team – organises 4 fun social events for clients throughout the year
Fundraising Team – helps raise funds for the CAP Centre through events etc
CAP Admin – assists with the day to day running of the centre in the office
CAP Prayer Team – receives the Prayer Email, attends Prayer Gathering & PRAYS!
CAP Money Management
CAP Money
The CAP Money Management Course teaches basic budgeting skills and a simple, cash-based money management system that really works over 3 sessions. It is designed to help people gain a better knowledge of what they earn and spend, devise a manageable budget, get their accounts in order, stop using cards and learn to save. CAP Money has been run in a variety of venues (the church building, Starbucks and various Sure Start locations) with over 100 delegates attending.
Get Support
To find out details of the next CAP Money course, email davidkelly@capuk.org, call 028 7032 6161 (ext 2) or go online to www.capmoney.org Registration is required, so please register your details online or through our office.
Get Involved
There are a few specific ways in which you can volunteer within CAP Money:
There are a few specific ways in which you can volunteer for CAP Money:
Setup & Refreshments Team – help setup the venue and serve refreshments
PR & Community Links Team – help promote the course and attract delegates
CAP Money Coach – get trained to help deliver the CAP Money Course in schools, Uni, Community Groups, Statutory Organisations etc