EMPLOYEES at Bradford-based Christians Against Poverty have signed up for the debt charity's Week Without challenge in a bid to identify with some of the poorest people they help.

One member of staff is switching off the electricity in their home for a week. Another has opted to sleep in his car every night for a week mirroring the behaviour of some who escape the attention of bailiffs.

Others are going without sugar, caffeine, social media, meals, shoes, their bed, or in the case of CAP's chief executive Matt Barlow, he is living on £10 of food for his Week Without.

He said: "It’s not going to be an easy week but it’s not supposed to be. Most of us are getting sponsored for the challenge but the biggest reason we are doing this is so that we can identify with people in poverty in the UK.

“So many of our clients say they have struggled without proper food, or couldn’t sleep or couldn’t replace worn shoes before getting debt help. We want to experience that for ourselves to remind us of their need.”

Pete Croker, 31, from the charity’s creditor liaison unit, has gone one step further in his dedication to the cause.

To reflect the plight of those in debt who feel trapped and isolated he has taken an unpaid week off work and will stay at home without heating, the internet, TV, radio, music or mobile phone. He will not sleep in his bed either.

Like many in poverty in the UK, he will have no hot meals, fresh food or meat – not even a cup of tea. He will also speak to no one.

“I’m doing a week without because many of our clients isolate themselves and feel unable to express their need for help. One client spent five years never leaving her home because of depression and anxiety brought on by her debt," he said.

“These situations are real for so many people that we help. I am kind of dreading it but I’m also hoping I will get a window into the way so many people have to live.”

Anyone else wanting to take up CAP’s Week Without challenge, which starts on October 20, can find out more at capuk.org/weekwithout.