CAP Stories: A new beginning
Our second CAP story is a client’s account from the Belfast Central Centre based in Willowfield and supported by our Lagan Area Deanery. With thanks to the Centre Manager, James Myles, pictured above.
“I’m 70 years old and work full–time in retail. I’ve lived alone for the last 15 years following a divorce, but I have a married son and two granddaughters living nearby. I got myself into debt when I borrowed money to do home improvements. I also love to treat my family and was not careful enough about budgeting.
“I tried to handle the debt on my own for a good many months but was having a lot of anxiety over the situation. I couldn’t tell my son and felt I needed outside help to cope. I looked online at different debt management agencies and came across CAP. I was drawn to their Christian approach and felt I would be treated with kindness and support.
“I was nervous about the first meeting but James and the befriender that came to my home instantly put me at ease. They spent time getting to know me and my situation and there was no judgement about my debt. I gathered together all my paperwork and when I gave it over to them, a weight lifted. I was apprehensive about the amount I had to repay each month to get out of debt but, looking back, I am so glad I got my debt paid off quickly and I managed with less money much better than I imagined. It was so great to receive monthly statements watching my debt get less and less. CAP was so good to me and invited me to various social events which gave me something to look forward to.”
What would you say to others in a similar situation?
“Firstly, I would say not to bury your head in the sand and try to cope alone. I wasted many needless months of anxiety doing just that! Take the first courageous step to approach by lifting the phone to CAP and begin your journey to becoming debt free. They will support you each step of the way and help you to gain better control of your spending as you go forward. CAP has been the light at the end of a very long tunnel, and I cannot thank them enough for how they have supported me and enabled me to take control of my finances. I am now debt–free.”
Get debt help from Christians Against Poverty. Visit capuk.org
CLICK HERE to discover how CAP works with churches in Down and Dromore.