Churches partner with debt counselling charity to help Burnley people dealing with money problems

St Leonard’s Church in Padiham, with the support of a team of other local churches in the area, have joined forces with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to help 48 people and families across the borough over the next year by offering home visits for those affected by debt problems.

John Graver who is the CAP debt centre manager said: “Typically, debts can build up when a relationship breaks down, someone loses their job, or through bereavement – so often when people are least able to cope with a financial headache.

"That’s why we’re so excited to open a debt centre here in Burnley.

“We hope over the next few years, to help countless local people and families, regardless of their age, gender, faith or background, to put their debt nightmares behind them and start a new life.”

A launch service was held last Sunday at St Leonards Church.

Christians Against Poverty is a charity, regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. It is dedicated to reducing hardship through a friendly, accessible service delivered face-to-face to the very poorest families and individuals across the UK.

It does this through a network of around 600 church-based centres offering debt help, job clubs, life skills courses and more. All the services are available to all, for free.

John added that every client is visited in their own home to give them the privacy and dignity that they need, and CAP’s head office does all the negotiating with creditors, while local volunteers offer support to each person until they become debt free.

● To book an appointment with John, call CAP free on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org