Larne CAP advice service will help those caught in a debt trap

People stuck in a spiral of debt are set to get free help and support thanks to a local church opening a counselling centre.
Wendy Davison, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) centre manager for Larne.  INLT 25-675-CONWendy Davison, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) centre manager for Larne.  INLT 25-675-CON
Wendy Davison, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) centre manager for Larne. INLT 25-675-CON

Larne Baptist Church on Upper Cairncastle Road has partnered with charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP)to bring its award-winning service to the borough.

The new branch will join two other busy centres in the east Antrim area, which provide support to people in Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey.

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Larne centre manager Wendy Davison said: “The church has always been about offering hope and we’re really pleased to be able to give a tried-and-tested route out of debt, alongside other great free debt advice in the area like the Citizens Advice Bureau.

“There is a lot in the Bible about looking after the poorest.

“In our society, a lot of poverty is debt-related so our church, in conjunction with Gardenmore, Magheramourne and Raloo Presbyterian has been working hard to open a CAP centre in Larne to help get people back on track.”

CAP offers people a uniquely in-depth, caring service to those with spiralling personal debt regardless of their age, gender, faith or background.

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Every client is visited in their own home, the charity does all the negotiating with creditors and local volunteers offer support to each person face-to-face until the day they are debt free.

Statistics show that one in three callers seeking debt help are feeling suicidal but find huge relief through the non-judgemental service that treats every person as an individual.

Wendy added: “Typically, debts can build up when a relationship breaks down, or someone loses their job, or through bereavement – so often when people are least able to cope with a financial headache.

“We’re just so pleased to be able to partner the care of our church and those working alongside us with the financial expertise of CAP’s head office in Bradford.”

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Wendy and her team of trained volunteers will begin taking appointments at the end of this month, but anyone who wishes to avail of the free CAP service can call now and get the ball rolling.

Contact Wendy on 07599257791. For more information visit wwwcapuk.org