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New CAP Debt Centre for Erith and Thamesmead

Churches in Erith have combined with other local churches to set up a new CAP Debt Centre serving the area covered by the Erith and Plumstead Deaneries.

Erith and Thamesmead CAP centre, which was launched on 15th January at Bexley College by local MP Teresa Pearce, is an ecumenical venture supported by Anglican, Methodist, URC, Baptist and independent churches.

The service that the centre offers is designed to enable people trapped in spiralling debt the opportunity to become debt free. Negotiations with creditors are carried out by Christians Against Poverty from their base in Bradford, and the centre and its volunteers provide support to the person until they are debt free.

Julie Conalty, Area Dean of Erith, said: “We are delighted to have got this centre up and running. There is a real need for it in this area and it is wonderful to have done this as a collaborative venture with the other churches. We are also very pleased to be working in partnership with Christians Against Poverty and using their award winning service. We are also very grateful to the Church Urban Fund for their financial support, as well as to the Diocese of Rochester and Woolwich Episcopal Area .”

Caroline Clarke, Community Engagement Advisor for the Diocese of Rochester and CreditWise leader said:  “This is a super achievement and blessing.   Thank you to all those involved for your hard work  and determination to work both ecumenically and across two dioceses in order to get this CAP Centre open. This was in direct response to the local need to help and support people to become debt free, and is part of a wider vision to ensure access to responsible credit for all: work to open a branch of Kent Savers Credit Union in the area is ongoing.”

http://rochester.anglican.org/new-cap-debt-centre-for-erith-and-thamesmead.php