With COVID-19 restrictions now easing, CAP is launching the ‘Time for free debt help’ campaign, urging people in debt to seek support this summer.
 
Debt help charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is concerned that many low-income families here, and across the UK, will see their debts rocket as temporary support for those struggling financially starts to come to an end soon.
 

CAP is today launching its ‘Time for free debt help’ campaign here in Northern Ireland in an effort to encourage more people to seek help before the furlough scheme ends.

CAP’s UK Chief Executive, Paula Stringer, explains why this campaign is so vital: “Unfortunately, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions doesn’t mean an easing to the impact on people’s personal finances.
 
“Our main concern is that many more people are going to fall into financial difficulty once schemes such as furlough come to an end later this year. These support mechanisms have helped families on a low income to just about keep their heads above water but soon many may feel like they’re drowning in debt.”
 
“Despite this, we expect thousands of people to wait years before seeking help.”
 
“We are urging everyone in debt not to wait until other support ends and things hit crisis point. There are trusted and professional charities who want to help you. This is why we’re launching our ‘Time for free debt help’ campaign this summer to raise awareness of the help on offer.
 
“Many other trusted debt help charities are also offering vital support. The most important thing isn’t which charity someone chooses to call, it’s just making the call for help as soon as possible.”
 

 
CAP is currently seeing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s finances, with debt levels rising, many struggling with rent arrears, and more people turning to quick credit.
 
The charity recently surveyed around 900 clients during the pandemic and over a third (37%) said they regularly had to go without meals. Over half (56%) had borrowed money to pay for food, clothing and other essential living costs.
 
THE LONG STRUGGLE
 
CAP’s survey also revealed:
 

 
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
 
Local CAP NI Client, Jackie*, says: “I had run up debt using catalogues for shopping.
 
This was all manageable initially. Then my circumstances changed and I had to reduce my working hours, with a loss of income which left me struggling to pay bills.
 
I lived with this for about 5 or 6 years.  I was incredibly stressed, trying to pay small amounts to each of my creditors from time to time but I couldn’t pay everyone, or anyone in full.
 
Things came to a head after several years during lockdown, when my income was reduced further.  A friend who had worked with CAP previously said I should speak to CAP. I made the call and a lovely debt coach came to see me.  I felt relief as soon as I spoke to her and when I sent all my debt paperwork away for CAP to deal with. They really helped me andI found the process to be so simple, largely because of my debt coach.”
 
WHO TO CALL FOR HELP
 
If you’re in debt and need help, contact one of these trusted organisations: