Christian debt counselling agency celebrates
 By Keith Morris
A specialist Christian-based debt counselling agency in Norfolk is celebrating its first anniversary with news that one of the couples it has helped have won a national award.
As the UK continues to struggle under the mounting pressure of personal debt, Christians Against Poverty’s specialist debt counselling centre in Aylsham is celebrating its first anniversary.
Established last year in response to the acute financial needs of people in the North Norfolk area, the dedicated CAP centre has since helped over 35 people who were struggling to repay their debts in partnership with Aylsham Community Church.
Using the award-winning charity’s approach to sustainable and practical debt solutions, CAP centre manager Angie Rusbridge and her team of dedicated support workers have been able to combat the negative consequences of debt firsthand in the local community.
Staggeringly, more than half the people in the UK are currently struggling to cope with their monthly bills and credit commitments, but residents of North Norfolk now have direct access to the support and advice necessary to get out of debt.
John and Donna Smith are just one of the families who have been helped by the Norfolk North CAP Centre.
John said: ‘Being in debt just brought us so low, at one point I thought of leaving and didn’t care if I got run over by a bus as I thought my family would be better off without me. We made our kids answer the phone and tell people we weren’t in as we couldn’t face the constant calls asking us to pay money we didn’t have.
“We phoned CAP for help in January 2010 and our lives have completely changed since that first visit with Angie. They sorted out all the bills and debts and gave us a budget which we have managed to stick to. We are now debt-free and this Christmas for the first time in ages I was able to buy my wife a Christmas present, paid for in cash from our budget. It’s brilliant, our lives are so different now and we have hope for the future. I can’t thank Angie and all the people at CAP enough for all they have done for us.”
This couple were also award winners at a CAP dinner at Lords Cricket Ground in London, winning an award for ‘Changing Lives’ as over the past year they have given so much back to the local community.
Donna said: "We were overwhelmed by the award, we feel that what we have been able to give back through voluntary work and sponsored events is just a fraction of what we’ve received from CAP. If you need help with your financial situation, just call CAP. It was the best phone call we have ever made. We were offered hope right from that first call and life is wonderful now. We’ve just had our first ever Christmas without any money worries.”
Angie Rusbridge, CAP Centre Manager in Norfolk said: “I’m delighted that our CAP Centre in Aylsham has been able to help so many people over its inaugural year in partnership with Aylsham Community Church.
“However, we’re aware that so many more in the local community still live under the shadow of debt and I would urge anyone in need to contact me on 0800 328 0006 if they are at all worried about their financial situation.
“Our specialist advice is completely free and we work with anyone, whether they’re Christian or not, so please call.”
Pictured are (left to right) Angie Rusbridge, Donna and John Smith at the CAP award ceremony. | 