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The Norfolk and Norwich Christian community website

Julia MorrishCAP
Funding boost for Norwich Christian debt centre 

The Norwich branch of Christians Against Poverty (CAP) based at Surrey Chapel has a secure future thanks to generous charitable grants.
 

Norwich Consolidated Charities and The Geoffrey Watling Charity award vital funds to help people access free debt help during the pandemic, enabling CAP to double the number of clients they support.

The CAP Debt Centre will be able to continue offering free help to local people facing money problems and help for job seekers through their CAP Job Club.
 
Julia Morrish, Norwich CAP Debt Centre Manager, said: “We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to get this funding to help people here in Norwich.
 
“This amazing investment in our centre will enable us to help more people in our community at a crucial time. 
 
“Not only can we make our premises ‘COVID-secure’ so that Job Club members can meet face to face again, but we can continue offering the hope of a debt-free future to people across our city. 
 
“We’re very grateful for the funding support we’ve received.”
 
“We know that so many people have taken a financial hit with loss of or reduced income during the pandemic, so I’m glad that we’re here to help.”
 
At a time when unemployment in the city has increased, and the government’s initial furlough scheme is ending, Norwich Central Debt Centre remains open and able to help. 
 
Recent staffing increases mean that the Centre will be able to see double the number of clients over the next 12 months, and the staff and volunteers at CAP Job Club have just launched an online version of their 8 week course for those unable to meet face to face.
 
David Hynes, Chief Executive of Norwich Charitable Trusts, said: “At Norwich Consolidated Charities (one of our three grant-making charities) we are very happy to be in a position to support the work of CAP – especially in the extremely challenging times that so many people are currently facing. 
 
“We continue to be very impressed by the work of CAP and their programmes which give people the skills and support that they need to become debt free and to seek and gain employment. 
 
“As the Government’s furlough scheme ends and the time when we can hope for relief from the threat of COVID-19 seems to move further into the future, CAP’s services will, sadly, be needed more than ever.”
 
Since the pandemic hit, the CAP Debt Help service has adapted to follow social distancing guidelines to stay safe whilst still offering its award winning debt help, along with unique support, across the local area.
 
Julia added: “Our team is here to help with debt problems through our CAP Debt Help service and because we’re local we can also support clients practically too.”
 
CAP’s support includes helping clients with practical things such as linking up with local food banks, arranging emergency fuel top ups, support, encouragement and a friendly voice at the end of a phone.
 
Julia added: “Getting help as early as possible can make a big difference.
 
“At first it may seem like you can manage a drop in income but when bills start to get missed debt can rapidly build up until it becomes unmanageable.
 
“Debt can be caused by many different reasons – ill health, bereavement, relationship breakdown or low income – so it may not just be due to the pandemic although we know that many people in our area have had a reduction in hours or income and may be struggling.
 
“We want everyone in our area to know that our service is here, completely free of charge.”
 
If you are struggling with debt and need help, get in contact with CAP today on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org.
 

Helen Baldry, 27/10/2020

Helen Baldry
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