A new organisation to help people in Kendal and the surrounding areas deal with debt issues has been given the green light.
Kendal and District Debt Centre has been two years in the planning and it is hoped that it will fill the gap left Christians Against Poverty debt centre when it closed in 2019 after 10 years of operation.
The new debt centre has now been given charitable status and is supported by six churches – St Thomas’ Church, Stricklandgate, the Methodist Church, Kendal Parish Church, St Mark’s, Natland, Crosscrake, and Gateway Church.
Samantha Vyner-Brooks has been appointed as voluntary debt centre manager.
Chair of trustees, the Rev Jonny Gios said: “We are delighted as trustees and church leaders that the centre as got to this point.
“In a challenging pandemic we have achieved something that seemed quite challenging at the start of this year.
“We have battled on through to help support those we know in this town, who are struggling with debt.
Samantha added: “CAP debt coaching really works. People in debt and despair find hope and I have seen with my own eyes the transformation as they see prayers answered and become debt free.
“It is life-changing and life-saving work that we are involved in and I am so thankful for the opportunity to reignite this outreach ministry in Kendal initially, but hopefully further afield as the charity grows.”
Kendal and District Debt Centre said it was looking for further financial support, volunteer befrienders and connections with other organisations.
To date, the centre has raised £17,000 and fundraising continues.
Alf Dawson recently turned 100 and instead of presents, asked people to donate to Christians Against Poverty. He raised £1,100 – half of which went to the national charity and half to the Kendal and District Debt Centre.
Kendal and District Debt Centre is hoping to officially launch on January 9 at St Thomas’ Church, Kendal which will also include a commissioning service of Samantha Vyner Brooks during the service.
