Cost of living crisis: Cheshire debt help clients speak out

During the Guardian’s visit to Christians Against Poverty (CAP) at the Welcome Café in Longridge, we spoke to debt advisor Barney Howard as well as food bank manager Doreen Robertson.

Both organisations are providing vital services to some of the most vulnerable people in our society – including many who are in desperate situations through no fault of their own.

We also spoke to several clients of the charity, who anonymously provided details of their own heart-breaking situations and how much a lifeline the help they receive is.

“Before I felt isolated, insecure and I was worried,” one person explained.

“It was affecting my mental health.

“When I met Barney and the befriender, it was like a light at the end of the tunnel.

“CAP provided support and took a great weight off my shoulders persisting through the highs and lows of the journey.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more.

“I don’t know what I wouldn’t have done without them.

“They’ve gone above and beyond to support me mentally and physically and they’ve taken me to a point where I can live again.”

The crippling cost of living crisis means many people can't afford to run their own homes

Barney had earlier explained how he visits people in their home and with the help of a befriender – a third person crucial in helping build trust and respect with those in need.

The charity has recently published its new client report, which brutally exposes how the cost of living crisis is pushing those on a low income to the edge of taking their own lives.

Here in the North West, the average amount of household debt had a peak of just over £17,000. This shocking statistic would mean the average family would take around 32 years to pay off what they owe as costs continue to spiral out of control.

However, another client of the charity, who works as a carer, was keen to emphasise that there is a way out, no matter how desperate a situation might feel.

“I want people to know they’re not alone,” they said.

“There is a way out.

“I’m passionate about encouraging people to get help.

“At the worst I was £28,000 in debt, including money owed for council tax, water, gas and electricity.

“It was like carrying a weight around my shoulders constantly.

“For me, the lowest point was when my 16-year-old rang me at work to say there was a bailiff at the front door.

“I broke down at work and it was then that I spoke about what I was going through for the first time.”

To some choosing between heating and eating is not even an option

The CAP report further highlights how priority debts – those considered to be most serious and often for essential costs such as mortgage repayments, as well as paying energy bills and council tax – have risen from 32 per cent to 40 per cent.

Across the North West, people are being chased for payment and have an average of 15 different debts to try and pay.

During the first half of 2022, CAP has seen a rise in calls for help of more than 40 per cent compared to the same time frame last year. The charity is looking to work with even more churches to offer its services to help as many people as they can during the cost of living crisis.

Gail Jackson, a debt centre manager for CAP said too many people were faced with the reality of not having enough money coming in to be able to run their homes.

“It’s incredibly sad but not surprising this is leading to more people feeling anxious, depressed and suicidal,” she said.

“At Christians Against Poverty, through our free services, we can help people get out of debt, provide them with practical and emotional support, offer free budgeting courses, and job clubs to try and get them back into employment.

“This help often leads to people becoming debt free so they can move forward with their lives and have hope for the future.

“CAP is already partnering with hundreds of amazing churches to help run our services and the charity is looking to find more churches to work with across the North West of England so we can offer as much help as possible to local people who are struggling because of the cost of living crisis.

“Many people still face destitution in the months ahead, prices are still rising and sadly this crisis is far from over.

“CAP’s report shows half of the people we are helping waited over a year before seeking free debt help, with a quarter waiting three years or more.

“It’s vital we raise awareness of the support available so people know they can get help from CAP or another free debt help charity if they’re struggling with their finances.”

Contact CAP on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org. You can also find out more about CAP by doing an online search for ‘Christians Against Poverty’.