More calls than ever for debt help, says charity

Peak in calls expected on Monday, February 9

A CHARITY has revealed that it expects to receive more calls for help in the coming weeks than ever before.

Christians Against Poverty, which has local debt centres in Stroud, Gloucester and Cheltenham, says that the post-Christmas rush to get finances sorted has begun in earnest.

Rather than the mythical peak known as ‘Blue Monday’ on January 19, the charity actually receives the most calls for debt help on the second Monday, in February which this year lands on February 9.

“Every week, the busiest day for debt help calls is a Monday, when people have had time over the weekend to resolve to seek help,” said Stroud Centre Manager Sue Pearson, based at Stroud Christian Fellowship.

“We usually see a rise in calls during January and February because most people can’t face tackling their finances before Christmas. When these two elements come together, we see our busiest time. As our reach extends to more areas, with more debt coaches, we are set to see more people booked in than ever before.”

Already in the first working week of 2015, CAP received 479 calls for debt help.

The Stroud CAP Debt Centre is currently booked up until the middle of February.

Recent research from CAP has shown that people often struggle for years with personal debt following income changes, caused by events such as losing a job or a relationship breakdown.

“Four in ten people believe that no one can help them with their debts, according to research we’ve done. It can feel like you’ve hit a brick wall, but we see ‘impossible’ situations become sorted and people getting their debts cleared. There are people to help and it can get sorted, however complicated or dire it seems.”

Anyone calling CAP for help rings 0800 328 0006 and are booked in for a home visit from a local debt coach who spends time with the client looking through their income, and expenditure and debts.

Then all the person’s outstanding bills and letters from creditors are sent to CAP’s head office in Bradford.

The charity negotiates with each creditor on behalf of the client and draws up a budget to begin to repay what is owed.

“Anyone having sleepless nights, unable to afford the basics or worried about meeting their rent or mortgage should call us, or one of the other good free debt agencies, and see how we can help.”

Call CAP on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org