Bleak as debt is for so many people…

one Perth charity is proving there is always hope!

There is a charity working in Perth and Kinross that has tens of thousands of reasons to be celebrating.  Perth Debt Centre is a free local debt counselling and support service, operating in partnership with Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

CAP, now a UK-wide charity, began 30 years ago and, in that time, 35,000 of their clients have become debt free, a further 50,000 have received debt advice and £500 million of debt has been written off or paid back.  The totally free service is provided by 250 local debt centres like the one in Perth, and their work is made possible by 4,000 churches which have partnered with CAP to deliver life-changing help in communities, together with donations from individuals.

Perth Debt Centre’s Manager, Bryan Gordon says despite those achievements our services are needed more than ever. “When you’re on the poverty line, an increased bill or the soaring cost of the weekly food shop isn’t just difficult – for many it’s the tipping point into a dangerous spiral of debt and despair.  Decades of experience has shown us that a persistent, official level of poverty has grown deeper and more challenging for those trapped in debt today. We’ve also observed some underlying shifts such as more pensioners moving out of official poverty, only to be replaced by younger adults and an increase in child poverty.”

He continued, “The broader picture is equally concerning as we are seeing a relentless decline in living standards for many ordinary people. Almost a third of working-age adults are now stressed over their finances and a worryingly large proportion of them are striving but cannot achieve the life they should reasonably expect.  For almost one in two of them, suicidal thoughts are a very real threat.”

Perth Debt Centre’s Debt Coach, Louise Rice says “When you reach out a hand to help someone deep in debt, we really can transform lives.  You may think your situation is impossible but there is always hope.  Our friendly team will give you a listening ear in confidential appointments and provide a practical solution to your debts.  CAP has worked with over 1,000 companies within the finance industry and we are well respected.  This means that councils, utilities, debt collectors and mortgage companies work with us because they have seen the results of our involvement.  They know we offer fair repayments based on what you can afford.”

Martin Lewis, Money Savings Expert regularly recommends the work of CAP debt centres and describes their service as “unsurpassed when it comes to the debt help, they give people.”  That help begins with a phone call to 0800 328 0006.  It takes a lot of courage to make that first call to ask for help.  But the sooner it is made, the sooner you will have peace of mind.  It will take some time to become debt free but the benefits of working with a debt coach starts right away as clients are only too happy to share.  

Ron: “The people at CAP listen to you.  There’s no judgement.  They show the best way forward for you and take you through every step of the way.  It’s like meeting a new pal.”

Reg and Janice: “It’s such a weight off your shoulders.  With CAP you’ve got food in the cupboard, all your bills are paid, nobody’s phoning you asking for money.  You’re no longer a slave to debt – and that’s priceless”.

Rachel: “It was nerve-wracking to make that first call but I’m glad I did.  Becoming debt free was a big relief for me.  I’m now more hopeful for the future.” 

Perth Debt Centre offers hope to all its clients in Perth and Kinross thanks to the support of a network of six churches in Perth – Tayside Christian Fellowship, Perth Baptist Church, Kinnoull Church, Perth Riverside Church, King’s House Church and Perth North Church.  

You can find out more by visiting their website: perthdebtcentre.org.uk

Perth Debt Centre

SCIO No. SC052688