Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a national organisation headquartered in Bradford. It was founded by John Kirkby, in 1996, since when it has grown nationally and internationally – being very successful in providing practical advice and help for those struggling with debt, and other issues. Its services are free, open to all and unconditional.
CAPMD came into being in 2014 when Martin Tanner, vicar of St Mary’s (at the time), initiated the idea. Churches Together, (the organisation for churches in Market Drayton), designated St Mary’s as the operator of the scheme. Since that time, the CAPMD Debt Centre has been providing free support and advice to anybody with problem debt who asks for help.
CAP Market Drayton confirms that all clients receive the same services regardless of race, nationality, religion or none, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.
Carolyn Lawrence is the Debt Centre Manager and works alongside volunteer debt coach Keith Harrison. Besides the Debt Centre, three other services are available from CAPMD on the same unconditional basis:
– Job Club for anyone seeking to build their confidence in searching for work
– Life Skills Programme covering such issues as cooking on a budget, saving energy, good communication and building self esteem
– Money Course looking at how to budget, spend wisely and save.
If you want to find out more or need some help, email carolynlawrence@capuk.org or visit www.capuk.org
For debt help call our freephone number 0800 328 0006
Ali Doulton (email: alidoulton@capjobclubs.org mobile: 07554 738425) manages the Job Club and Money Management programmes. Job Club provides help to people trying to return to work, who may need assistance in practical ways – e.g. Identifying personal strengths and skills, writing CVs and interview skills. Job Club works in close collaboration with Job Centre Plus.
The Money Management programme provides courses which help people in very constructive ways: managing expenditure and income from all sources; budgeting; credit and debt controls for individuals and households. The course is practical in nature and offers model plans to put into real life practice.
Julia Farrant (email: juliafarrant@caplifeskills.org) manages the Life Skills programme. Courses provide help to people living on a tight budget who have difficulty in day to day living. Skills development covers budgeting, relationships, healthy eating and meal planning, health and wellbeing, and building self confidence.
Many CAPMD Clients have complex issues requiring detailed support.
CAPMD has one paid member of staff (The Debt Centre Manager); all others are volunteers. It is overseen by a committee of up to 11 people representing all the churches concerned with considerable delegated responsibilities. Chaired by Dr. Richard Priestley, the committee publishes a ‘Look Forward Plan’ to develop CAPMD as an investable organisation, with regard to potential donors and funding organisations. All investments are recorded by the committee and accounts are scrutinised and approved by St. Mary’s Parochial Church Council.
Central to CAPMD’s operations is its collaborative work with other social and community organisations, e.g. Job Centre Plus, the Foodbank, local housing associations, health professionals and social care organisations. CAPMD’s aim is to make a difference for those people with major problems in their lives, and directing all possible resources to that goal is their priority.
CAPMD has come out of the pandemic restrictions well equipped for the future and operates on a face to face or electronic basis, where appropriate whilst continuing to develop and provide its services. Contact point: rjp@rjpriestley.plus.com
