THE MENAI DEBT CENTRE of the free debt-help charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) are urging people to seek help if they are struggling to pay their bills.
A Bevan Foundation report*, stated that personal debt is a major problem in Wales. In the last year, one in four Welsh households have borrowed money, with four in ten Welsh households saying they don’t have enough money to buy anything beyond everyday items.
Mark King, Menai Debt Centre’s CAP Debt Centre Manager based in Bangor, North Wales, said: “It’s not just credit card debts that we’re seeing escalate; we’re seeing priority debts grow – like council tax debts and energy arrears. With the accelerating rise in food and energy prices, it’s no longer a cost-of-living squeeze but a financial throttling for many people.”
“People can fall into debt through all sorts of reasons such as low income, job loss, bereavement and illness. Whatever the reason, CAP is here and ready to help anyone completely free of charge.”
Eric, a former CAP client said about getting help from CAP, “It’s made a massive difference. Now I feel in control, I don’t have to choose between petrol, food, or heating.”
Mark added: “Many people hide their debts from family and friends, or sometimes plunge into denial themselves by simply not opening statements. The reality is that you can only sort your debts out if you know the scale of them; it may feel better not to open statements, but in the long run it will only make things worse. If that’s you, then it’s time to get some help.”
A CAP report ** showed that 45% of their clients didn’t know where to go to get debt help from in and around Bangor CAP’s Menai Debt Centre is based in Mosaic Church Bangor and supports people in Bangor and surrounding areas.
If you are struggling with debt and need help, get in contact with CAP today on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org.
*www.bevanfoundation.org/resources/poverty-in-winter-2021
** www.capuk.org/connect/policy-and-government/client-report-21
