‘Growing debt left me fearful over Christmas – I had to turn to church for help’
For mum-of-three Jade, Christmas was a “nightmare” time as she constantly worried about how she could make it special for her children.
Drowning in debt, she was forced to choose between paying the bill or feeding her children, and the pressure only increased during the festive season.
“Christmas was a nightmare because you need money for Christmas,” the 26-year-old said.
“You have a picture in your mind of what Christmas should be like and you want to please everyone and everyone by eating and exciting.”
She added: “I was so scared of Christmas but I would try to play happy families but really I would just live in pure fear.”
He said he lives with “anxiety, guilt and shame” and is afraid to share his financial situation with friends due to embarrassment.
But after finding Christians Against Poverty (CAP), he became one of millions of people who have turned to their local church or Christian organization for support over the past five years, according to new research.
After calling her electricity creditor, Jade was asked to contact CAP. She was offered help on how to pay off her debt, groceries, and was given a money coaching course.
“I’m doing really well with my money now. I set aside the money I made throughout the year for Christmas,” she said, adding that she was excited for “gifts and laughter” this year.
“Our budget for Christmas gifts is small, but the best gift was becoming debt-free this year,” he said.
“My children are happier and more successful in school. I’ve been able to save little by little throughout the year for a few meaningful gifts, and I can finally celebrate this Christmas without the worry that weighs us down.”
Jade is one of millions of people turning to churches for food, heat and debt support as festive spending pushes struggling households to breaking point, according to new research commissioned by CAP.
The charity has launched a £300,000 appeal to help families in the UK cope with rising living costs and warned that millions will turn to churches this Christmas after being forced to choose between keeping warm and feeding their children.
In Beyond Belief, one in four adults and half of teens have turned to churches for help or know someone who has, according to a new CAP report.
The survey of 2,000 people also found that ten per cent of UK adults felt they were under particular financial pressure over the Christmas period, when they experienced financial difficulties.
Ben Warrender, local CAP debt center manager who backed Jade, said: “Many of the people we help are in such a difficult situation that their main concern this Christmas is not giving gifts – it is keeping their homes warm and putting food on the table.
“Churches across the UK are stepping in to help, providing immediate, face-to-face support such as CAP’s emergency food stores and energy boosts, as well as long-term debt advice to help families rebuild their lives.”
Susan, 74, also turned to CAP for help after she and her husband were left thousands of pounds in debt.
She said she “couldn’t wait” for Christmas to be over last year, but tried to make it special for her grandchildren.
“We were very worried about money,” he said. “But my mother always did this for me when I was a kid, and I wanted to do the same for my grandchildren.”
He added: “It was difficult, but last year I even lost my faith. We were in a quagmire with our debts. We couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
She found CAP through her local church and got help managing her bills and debt.
“But this year I feel more alive,” Susan said. “I plan to go to church. I can afford to buy gifts. I didn’t get a card last year, but I might get one this year. That’s where we are right now; still struggling, but with help and some hope.”
People can donate to CAP’s latest fundraising campaign Here. For assistance, people can call CAP’s free helpline on 0800 328 0006.
