An Enniskillen woman whose debts “were spiralling out of control” has praised the help she received from the local branch of Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

“I was under extreme pressure. I didn’t know which way to turn,” the grandmother, who wishes to remain anonymous, told The Impartial Reporter.

“I got into difficulties with door-to-door loans because the interest rates were spiralling out of control. I was taking another loan to pay off the interest on the previous loan,” she explained. “I was also getting things out of catalogues and I was only paying off small amounts. That meant the interest just kept going up.”

With constant phone calls from the catalogue company seeking higher repayments, the woman began to feel the strain.

“I was attending counselling and I saw the CAP leaflets in the lobby. I also saw them at church. I rang Jonathan Hayward (Manager of West NI CAP debt centre) and he and his wife Barbra came to visit me in my home,” the woman continued.

One year, later, she is pleased to report that she is “making good progress in paying off all my debts.”

CAP’s free services, which are available to all regardless of age, faith or background, include: drawing up an effective budget and negotiating affordable repayments with each creditor, attempting to stop interest and charges, implementing a CAP Plan where the individual pays a weekly or monthly amount to CAP which will then distribute the money on their behalf, and helping people through insolvency or bankruptcy.

“Jonathan at CAP set up a plan for savings and pay offs. It was important to have the savings to fall back on for things like the house or the car. I would have several of my bills fully paid off at this stage,” the woman continued.

“I am relieved. I couldn’t have got this far without CAP. I’d say there are a right few people in Enniskillen who would be in the same position I was in a year ago.”

The woman also benefits from the weekly Tea4U at Enniskillen Presbyterian Church’s Bridge centre, where she meets people “who are in the same situation.” She concluded: “I would advise anyone in difficulties with debt to get in touch with CAP.”

The West NI CAP debt centre has visited 18 Fermanagh families since its inception last year. “As a compassionate team, we see beyond the paperwork and the debts to the people and their families,” said Centre Manager, Jonathan Hayward.

It has been one year since Christians Against Poverty partnered with Enniskillen Presbyterian Church and the Church of Ireland parishes of Ardess and Dromore to open the West NI CAP debt centre.

“We have had referrals via many local churches, agencies and charitable organisations including the Housing Executive, Vineyard Foodbank and First Housing,” Jonathan explained, adding: “As well as providing emergency supplies such as food and oil, this year we have enjoyed many social events together, including a trip to the cinema and a fish and chip super.”

He concluded: “It is a joy for us to bring hope with our life-changing service.”
Jonathan can be contacted on: jonhayward@capuk.org or 07841642575.