CHURCHES have joined forces to help rising numbers of people struggling with debt.

Shipley Christians Together, a group of churches, has worked with debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) on launching a free service to help people with financial pressures.

The churches, across Shipley, Saltaire, and Windhill, have opened the latest centre in the district - with others in central Bradford, Tong Street, and Keighley - helping increasing numbers of people hit by personal debt.

Thomas Knight, Shipley, CAP Debt Centre Manager, said: “Debt stress can be so destructive. It affects family relationships, health and can be very isolating. As a compassionate community, we wanted to provide people with a route out of debt. CAP is distinct because it does that in partnership with the Church. Sometimes people feel they’ve made mistakes but often they’ve been driven into debt by job loss, relationship breakdown or illness in the family or a bereavement. These are all situations we’ve seen becoming more apparent throughout the pandemic”.

Financial expert Martin Lewis described CAP as “unsurpassed” in its service supporting households to repay what they owe, or go through an insolvency, until the day they are debt free. CAP is currently offering a phone service, and its specialists negotiate with creditors, create a budget and provide technical support.

Says Thomas: “If you know things are out of control and you’re stressed, missing meals or sleep, please let us help you get your life back on track. Call 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org.”