A third of adults in the West Midlands have daily financial anxieties
UK debt help and budgeting charity, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) partners with local churches to run debt centres, money courses, life skills groups and job clubs across the West Midlands.
During Talk Money Week, they are revealing new data as part of CAP’s latest ‘Picture of Poverty’ report which shows that a third (33%) of adults in the West Midlands have daily anxiety about their finances.
Further insights indicate that people who are struggling with debt and money management are not just looking for financial help, but also personal connection. CAP’s Picture of Poverty report reveals that when thinking about their current financial situation, over a quarter (26%) of adults in the West Midlands say they would find in-person debt advice helpful.
CAP Regional Director, Lorraine Papaioannou, said: “The immense pressure that unmanageable debt plays can be all-consuming and totally overwhelming. Thankfully, our clients have the opportunity to talk about their finances in-person with a CAP debt coach or befriender which can help ease their worries.”
In CAP’s recent Client Report, No Time to Lose, respondents said that their local debt coach helped them by:
Helping with paperwork (54%)
Speaking to CAP’s central support hub on the client’s behalf (51%)
Providing practical help, e.g. food shops and fuel vouchers (38%)
Staying in contact by phone or text (45%)
Giving emotional support (42%)
Offering to pray with the client (62%)
Lorraine continued: “Meeting clients face-to-face makes it so much easier for them to open-up and share their struggles and this allows local CAP workers to better gauge what their needs are.
“We walk alongside the people we support, and our friendly, non-judgmental approach means we can address a person’s wider needs beyond debt.
“We know that many people who really need debt help often find it difficult to talk about their money worries and reach out for advice. So, as it’s Talk Money Week, we’re raising awareness of our services and encouraging people to get talking about money matters.”
If you're struggling with debt and want to speak to someone for expert, confidential help, then you can call CAP’s helpline on 0800 328 0006 or you can visit their website capuk.org/help to see what free services are available in your area.
For wider support you can visit moneyhelper.org.uk.
