BRADFORD-based debt help charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has exposed how the cost of living crisis is pushing those on a low income to the edge of taking their own lives.
In a new report, CAP puts a harrowing spotlight on the desperate situation people are being plunged into.
And as demand for help soars, the charity is recruiting more debt advisers to work at its Bradford head office and has warned the crisis is “far from over”.
Paula Stringer, CAP UK chief executive, said: “The true impact of debt is often hidden. I think of it like a body of water – still, clear and unconcerning to those of us standing on the edge, unaware of what’s really lurking beneath the depths.”
She said the report shows people are “suffering, dragged under by whirlpools of fear, desperation and isolation” as the cost of living rises at an astronomical rate resulting in millions of people “being dragged into the chilling depths of poverty, destitution and despair”.
“Never has it been more crucial that we step forward and respond to what’s going on under the surface,” she added.
The report reveals the average household in the region in debt has a peak debt of more than £17,200 and, without free debt help, it would take an average of 29 years to repay.
The charity found people had 15 different debts on average – 15 different organisations chasing them for payment – and said it had seen a rise of more than 40 per cent in calls to its helpline in the first five months of this year.
Meanwhile, there has been a huge increase in people who are in debt and experiencing depression, up from 24 per cent in last year’s report to 41 per cent this year.
Anxiety and panic attacks are also on the rise and the charity added: “Most concerningly, the percentage of CAP clients who tell us they’ve attempted or considered suicide, as a way out of their debt, has risen from 28 per cent to 36 per cent.”
CAP said some of the main problems affecting those experiencing poverty have been exacerbated by the rising cost of living and the Covid-19 pandemic, trapping them in poverty and unmanageable debt.
Louise Foster, CAP’s Bradford Debt Centre Manager, said: “The reality for families on the lowest incomes here in Bradford and across Yorkshire is many of them just don’t have enough money coming in to be able to run their homes, buy the essentials, and feed themselves and their children.
“It’s incredibly sad but not surprising that this is leading to more people feeling anxious, depressed and suicidal.
“At Christians Against Poverty, through our free services, we can help people get out of debt, provide them with practical and emotional support, offer free budgeting courses, and job clubs to try and get them back into employment. This help often leads to people becoming debt free so they can move forward with their lives and have hope for the future.”
She added: “CAP is already partnering with hundreds of amazing churches to help run our services and the charity is looking to find more churches to work with across Yorkshire so we can offer as much help as possible to local people who are struggling because of the cost of living crisis.”
“Many people still face destitution in the months ahead, prices are still rising and sadly this crisis is far from over.
“CAP’s report shows half of the people we are helping waited over a year before seeking free debt help, with a quarter waiting three years or more.
“It’s vital we raise awareness of the support available so people know they can get help from CAP or another free debt help charity if they’re struggling with their finances.”
CAP’s report says there is a “deep-rooted stigma” around debt in society, driving feelings of shame and the belief people should, and can, deal with it themselves.
It says the reality is much more complex and as more people speak out – and important conversations begin – the impact will send a collective message that there is no shame in asking for help.
Contact CAP on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org. You can also find out more about CAP by doing an online search for ‘Christians Against Poverty’.
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