A free debt advice service is celebrating a decade of helping people and their families in the Eden district.
Penrith Methodist Church launched the debt centre in partnership with UK debt and budgeting help charity Christians Against Poverty in 2015.
The centre has helped over 187 households and 129 of them have successfully dealt with their debt.
Jen Dixon, Eden District’s Debt Centre manager, said: “We are celebrating every single one of the amazing people we have helped out of debt in the Eden district over the last 10 years!
“Debt can be easy to fall into and hard to get out of, without expert help. Especially with how high the cost of essentials are right now.
“Living on a low income combined with a change in circumstances that impacts your finances can quickly lead you into spiralling debts. We have helped many people who have had to borrow to pay for essentials, regularly skipped meals, and gone without their basic needs.
“We want to give huge praise to everyone in debt who has contacted us for help, worked with our team, and are now debt free or making progress towards achieving that aim.
“I also want to thank all the team and volunteers from all our supporting churches who over the last 10 years have spent countless hours supporting local people in need. Because of them, many lives in the Eden district have been changed for the better.”
Jen is also keen to raise awareness of free debt advice as many local people continue to struggle with the high costs of essentials.
Jen said: “At Christians Against Poverty our mission is to work with local churches to help people in our area break free from the chains of debt and poverty so they don’t have to use all their energy on just trying to survive but can have the opportunity to thrive.
“As much as we are celebrating this 10-year milestone, we also recognise that our work is far from over.
“Inflation is rising again driven significantly by rising food prices. This is putting huge financial pressure on low income households and leading many into debt.
“This is why it’s vital we continue our work and you can play your part by helping us to raise awareness of free debt advice and by donating to Christians Against Poverty so we can help more people.
“Together, we can help change more lives and tackle poverty in the Eden district.”
- If you are struggling with your finances, you can find out more about what services CAP offers in your area by visiting capuk.org/help
