Christians Against Poverty
Who are Christians Against Poverty?
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a national debt counselling charity working through a network of centres based in local churches. In June 2008 Christ Church Downend opened a CAP Centre which is based at Haven House, 133 High St, Staple Hill.
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.
Through our CAP Centre, Christ Church Downend offers a free debt counselling service to members of the local community and beyond. We are fully committed to providing this service into the future and helping more and more individuals and family to obtain release from the burden that debt brings. Through this service we aim to actively demonstrate Gods love.
Step By Step Guide To How We Help
1. Home Visit
If you live in a postcode covered by a CAP Centre (use the postcode search at the top of the page to find this out), phone the free phone number. After you call CAP, a Debt Coach and Support Worker from the local CAP Centre will visit you in your own home. We offer a free, face-to-face professional debt counselling service through local churches to anyone struggling with unmanageable debt, providing hope and a solution to thousands of people each year.
2. An Effective Budget
A realistic budget is then worked out at CAP HQ by prioritising your essential bills, negotiating affordable payments with each creditor and stopping unfair interest and charges where possible. The local Debt Coach will then visit you again to explain the budget and the payments you will need to make.
3. CAP Account
A CAP Account is then set up for you. This acts like a simple bank account. You will need to make one weekly or monthly payment into your account to cover all of your bills and debts. CAP will then distribute this on your behalf. You can also make savings in your CAP Account.
4. Insolvency / Bankruptcy
If you are in severe debt then we can walk you through insolvency, like petitioning for bankruptcy. We can help you to fill out the forms and even attend court with you.
5. Debt Free and Beyond
You will use your CAP Account to pay your bills and debt repayments and you will be supported by a team at CAP HQ until you are debt free. You may keep your CAP Account even after you are debt free.
How do I get more information?
If you are currently struggling with debt and would like to make an appointment to meet with a Debt Advisor, please call our Free phone number: 0800 328 0006.
If you would like more information regarding the North East Bristol CAP Centre, please contact Annette Linton on (0117) 956 6384 or e: annettelinton@capuk.org
