A debt charity based in Combe Down in Bath has said the cost of living crisis is “crushing” those on low incomes and leaving them “trapped”.
Christians Against Poverty’s (CAP) Bath Debt Centre, situated in the Holy Trinity Church, has been offering free debt help along with emotional and practical support, to people across the city for the past 7 years.
Amanda Wetton, the centre manager, said: “We know that everyone’s feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis right now, but if you’re already on a low income, the strain is relentless – plus there’s the added anxiety over future rises in living costs.
“People fall into debt for a variety of reasons. They may have been made redundant, left a job to care for a family member, suffered from a long-term illness, or experienced a relationship breakdown – which cuts many household’s income in half.”
A CAP report, released this month, has exposed the growing impact that the cost of living crisis is having on low income households in Bath, trapping them into debt.
The “To The Edge” report revealed that:
- New CAP clients in the South West have a peak debt of over £15,680
- Without free debt help, it would take on average 29 years for a South West household to repay their debts.
Amanda said: “This report shows the reality of the situation for many people. The cost of living crisis is leaving many families on unsustainable budgets, with little or nothing left-over after covering their basic living costs.
“People are aware that they could suddenly be plunged into large amounts of debt, and they’re scared.
“The detrimental impact of these kinds of debts are significant. CAP’s report shows that, unsurprisingly, more people are suffering from depression compared to last year, and more are also experiencing anxiety or panic attacks.
“Most concerningly, the percentage of our clients who tell us they’ve attempted or considered suicide, as a way out of their debt, has risen, from last year, from 28% to 36%. This is heart-breaking and doesn’t have to be the case – help is available.”
Serious illness led CAP client Nick to leave his paid semi-pro sporting star lifestyle, into unemployment and debt. He said: “I had a brain tumour which was removed, but I lost my mother during that time. I now suffer from terminal Crohn’s disease.
“Previously I had always worked very hard and had everything under control, but I got to the point where I couldn’t even pick up a can of beans or turn on the kettle. I was suffering badly from depression and became suicidal.”
Nick described how he feels since getting free debt help from CAP, which partners with his local church.
“It’s made such a difference. If I had carried on as before, I probably wouldn’t be here now. I couldn’t see a way out. These people will not judge you, they’re just there to help you.”
Amanda has urged people to seek supporting, saying: “If you need help to break free from debt, contact CAP debt-help charity on freephone 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org today.”
The charity’s client’s name quoted above has been changed to protect his anonymity.
