Stormont celebrates Christian debt charity

LOCAL debt advisors mingled with politicians and healthcare workers at a special event to celebrate three years of life-saving work by Christians Against Poverty (CAP) in Northern Ireland.

The high-profile day at Stormont was staged by the debt counselling charity to launch the national office needed to oversee the growing network which has helped more than 1,000 individuals and families since 2009.

Causeway Coast Vineyard in Coleraine is one of currently 13 churches which has decided to partner with CAP to help the local community cope with spiralling personal debt. The charity hopes to double the number in the next few years.

Centre manager David Kelly who has been visiting clients in their homes to bring hope and a solution to their financial crisis, took a day out to attend the event along with colleagues Geoff McGookin and Ricky Wright.

“It was great to be there, talking about what the church is doing, and very publicly give out this message of hope: no matter how bad your debts appear, we can help and that you’re not on your own with it.

“Debt can be very isolating and we hear from people who say they can’t sleep at night for the anxiety and the fear. Something like half of those who call CAP NI say they are actually feeling suicidal, so we know we are giving a life-saving service.

“It’s a great privilege to be able to go into someone’s home and explain that we can deal with the creditors, sort a budget and take that weight of worry away.”

Anyone needing debt help should visit www.capdebthelp.org or call 0800 328 0006