March and Wisbech churches provide vital mental health support to people in debt

The Fenland Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre is continuing to help their clients deal with the pressures of debt, despite the challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Debt Centre team welcomed this month’s annual Mental Health Awareness Week.

They are determined to ensure that everyone across the Fenland area knows that they can get free debt help to alleviate the mental health challenges that come with debt.

CAP clients were asked about their lives before they got debt help:

Suicidal - Over a quarter (28 per cent) considered or attempted suicide before seeking debt help

Hungry - Over a third (37 per cent) sacrificed meals because they couldn't afford to eat

Trapped - Over half (58 per cent) felt trapped in poverty with nobody to turn to when they had a problem

Across the UK as a whole, the two main reasons stated for people falling into debt were low income (20 per cent) and mental health (18 per cent).

So many people across the Fenland area have been feeling isolated due to the pandemic. As spring turns to summer it will be fun for some but could cause anxiety for others.

The CAP Debt Centre based in March and Wisbech is set up to provide debt help alongside emotional support for clients and this hasn’t stopped.

The CAP team of staff and volunteers are reaching out to anyone in the community who may be struggling with unmanageable debt and feelings of anxiety, isolation or loneliness during this unique time.

Throughout the pandemic, the debt centre team has been providing their local clients with practical help, support, encouragement and a friendly voice at the end of a phone. They delivered gift packs to those living on their own last year and blessed all clients at Christmas. So many were really grateful for the butcher‘s vouchers, chocolates etc and gifts.

Sue Bradshaw, Fenland CAP debt centre manager, said: “We’re ensuring that we follow all of the social distancing rules to stay safe but we’re still here to connect with and support our clients where needed.”

Debt coach, Lin Stanton said: “As we transition from lockdown back into a sense of freedom we’re aware that many people may still be nervous about what the future holds so we’re encouraging our clients by keeping in touch.

“Even before coronavirus, we had clients who were challenged by the isolation of debt so it’s essential that we’re still delivering a service to our clients who may have no one else looking out for them.”

One CAP client said: “Working with CAP has had a huge effect on my mental health. I feel I’ve got something to continue for. It’s worth living! I can continue and progress. Now I feel so buoyant and happy with what I have achieved in the last two or three months. I’m actually moving forward and enjoying life."

Another client said recently: “You have given me more support than anyone else, ever. Thank you.”

If you are struggling with the pressure of debt and need help, get in contact with CAP on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org.