A special Christmas message for you

A Christmas beyond breaking point

When the cost of living destroyed Paul and Sam’s family joinery business and plunged them into debt, it affected everything: their marriage, their mental health and the kids.

Paul found himself working seven long days a week, often until midnight, to try and cover costs. He was barely able to see his family. When they thought things couldn’t get any worse, Paul had a stroke from the stress, and had to close the business down completely. The worry was consuming every part of their lives.

When the bailiffs started coming, Paul and his family became prisoners in their own home – doors locked, curtains closed, telling the kids to hide upstairs. They couldn’t even afford to meet their own basic needs, and were relying on food banks and borrowing money so that they could eat. The family really needed help to lift some of the weight from their shoulders, so that they could give their health, marriage and family life the attention they deserved.

"It wasn’t a happy Christmas when mum and dad were in debt. The house was very cold."

– Eden, 10

On the day Debt Centre Manager Jonathan visited on behalf of CAP, they had just £2 left on the meter. He gave them a fuel top-up and emergency food shop, which allowed them to look beyond their most immediate needs and reassured them that someone was there to help carry the burden. The church also rallied around with practical, holistic support in the form of childcare, prayers and encouragement.

Will you give a lifeline to another family at breaking point this Christmas?

Here's the impact your donation could have

£20

could prevent a child from going hungry by providing an emergency food shop

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£30

could heat a family's home during the cold winter by providing an emergency fuel top-up

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£50

could provide new school uniform for two children whose parents are struggling with costs

Give now

The couple worked with Jonathan to gain back control of their finances, so they didn’t have to face another Christmas filled with despair. This year, things look very different for the whole family. Now debt free, they are looking forward to a Christmas full of happy memories, instead of ones they want to forget.

"Looking back, I can’t believe my family made it through Christmas last year. This year, we’ll be able to make memories that we’ll cherish forever, not ones we’re desperate to forget."

– Paul, now debt free

Will you help provide emergency aid this Christmas, offering essential relief to a family at breaking point?

Donate now

Thank you and God bless,

Stewart McCulloch
Chief Executive Officer
Christians Against Poverty

_Posted:_{November 2024}