Six minutes to change your life
Local debt help teams in Edinburgh say a simple six minute phone call is all it could take for you to begin to improve problem finances.
The call to 0800 328 0006 secures an appointment with the near by branch of Christians Against Poverty which runs the free service in partnership with St Stephen’s Comely Bank, Central Church (Tollcross) and Holy Trinity Church in Wester Hailes.
Anyone can call the number and receive a confidential home visit from the trained teams who will help you on the road to becoming debt free.
Holy Trinity Church, Wester Hailes’ Debt Centre Manager, Chris Hoskins said:
We know how hard it can be to ask for help but we have a lovely, friendly team ready to book you in and it takes no time. They’ll send a debt coach to see you, at an agreed time and day, in the privacy of your home.
Debt problems feel overwhelming but the way to tackle them is taking the right steps day-by-day and that starts with the phone call.
National charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has seen more than 120 people across Scotland go debt free in 2019 so far and has helped thousands during the past 20 years.
Since CAP opened its first debt centre in Scotland, more people struggling to pay for priority living expenses such as rent, council tax and energy.
“Living on a low income is a truly enormous challenge,” said Chris adding that nine in ten (91%) CAP clients have an income lower than the national average and almost two in three (64%) live below the poverty line.
Added to this, average debt among CAP’s clients has risen by £1000 to around £14,000 compared to last year revealing that the need for free debt counselling is rising.*
CAP Scotland has 22 debt centres throughout Scotland from as far north as Inverness to as far south as Castle Douglas. In addition to debt help, there are several other services available to help support people with living well on a budget including the CAP Money course which operates at 74 churches delivering hundreds of courses.
Former client, Jimmy said:
Before coming to CAP we had rent arrears, doorstep loans, catalogue loans for the children’s bedroom furniture and for their Christmas presents. We had some council tax arrears, and utility arrears as well.
Former client, Linda said:
[CAP] were approachable and understanding. It felt as though the pressure was taken off straight away and they were going to send someone round.
For free debt help call 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org
CAP is committed to its services being available to all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Please note that names of former clients have been changed for anonymity.
Article submitted by
