CHURCHES are combining with a free debt help charity to help people who are struggling as they face huge rises in the cost of living.

A number of churches in the Wharfedale and Aireborough area, who have already been partnering separately with national debt charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP), are coming together to better coordinate their services, to ensure that they can serve local people in an even better way in these difficult times.

The Wharfedale and Aireborough Methodist Circuit has been running a debt centre with CAP for three years, providing free debt advice and support to those within the area. Guiseley Baptist Church has also worked with CAP to run a Job Club which supports those looking for work and has helped many people with the skills needed to find employment. More recently, St.Oswalds Church in Guiseley has also partnered with CAP to run its money management course, CAP Money.

Samantha Price, the Centre Manager at the Wharfedale and Aireborough CAP debt centre said: “We know that times are tough for so many people at the minute. Food prices are going up, as is the cost of petrol and diesel, and home energy bills are also continuing to rocket, all at a time when so many are still financially affected by the pandemic - with a fall in their income - plus the end of the Universal Credit uplift. All these things are combining to add to financial worries for so many in our area.

“There are many people who need help now, to work with them to find a way out of what can seem as a hopeless situation with debt. We are here to offer this help, all totally free, to anyone who needs it.

“But we also know there are many more who are not in this position, but who would benefit from some additional skills and support with money management and budgeting. This is where our brilliant CAP Money colleagues at St Oswalds can help.

“Then there are those who are out of work, having perhaps lost their jobs because of the pandemic or, even if this is not the case, finding it hard to find new work. To be able to also help people in this position, and to signpost people between all our different services is just great.”

David Airey, CAP Money Coach at St Oswald’s, said: “No matter where you are in terms of finances, we all have our own challenges. The CAP Money Course can give you the tools you need to control your cash and feel in control of your finances, helping you prepare a budget and have a clearer picture of what’s coming in and going out, which is so essential."

Anyone who is struggling or just needs a bit of support, can contact CAP on 0800 328 0006, find more details on the CAP website.