Parish of Kilmore & Inch takes on CAP Centre
On Sunday 27 June, the Parish of Kilmore and Inch celebrated the recommissioning of CAP Mid Down following the appointment of Norman Gibson (centre) as Debt Centre Manager. Norman took up the post upon the retirement of the founding manager, Winston Shaw.
Norman and the team were commissioned by Bishop David at a service attended by local clergy, CAP supporters, and public figures. Mr James Myles, Manager of Belfast Central CAP Centre, gave the address.
In line with CAP’s policy, the Centre Manager’s home church has oversight for the centre and so the baton was passed from Edengrove Presbyterian Church, Ballynahinch, to the Church of Ireland Parish. The Debt Counselling Team is still drawn from a wide range of churches in the area.
Alison Flanagan, National Leader of CAP Northern Ireland, who attended the service said:
“Back in 2013 the Mid Down CAP Debt Centre led by Winston Shaw opened its doors and over the years since then things have grown so much under Winston and a great team of volunteers. Strong working relationships with other churches and external agencies have been developed and 193 calls have made to access debt help. Now the baton is being passed on.
“We are so pleased today to celebrate and recommission the Centre for this next part of the story – the story that Kilmore Church and the church community are now partnering in. We look forward to the continuance and growth of the work here under the leadership of Norman Gibson in the months and years ahead.”
The rector of Kilmore and Inch, Revd Stephen Smyth said, “We’re very excited about Norman taking over the role of Debt Centre Manager. CAP has been doing wonderful work in mid–Down and we’re humbled to have the opportunity to continue it. We ask for God’s grace as we assume this new responsibility.”
Refreshments were served in a marquee afterwards.
Christians Against Poverty in Northern Ireland
CAP is very active in NI and is supported by a number of our parishes:
19 CAP Centres in NI offering in–depth debt help
7 job clubs to help people back into employment
12 life skills groups that teach people on a low income how to live well
187 new households have asked for help this year
53 households have become debt free this year – 79 individuals 45 children
Get help
Christians Against Poverty works with the church to bring good news, hope and freedom. CAP can help people who are feeling the weight of debt, struggling to find work, battling addictions or just need a bit of help budgeting. To find a local centre use the postcode search on CAP’s website here or call CAP free on 0800 328 0006.
