A DEBT relief agency has celebrated 10 years in Winchester with afternoon tea.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Winchester held the celebration at the Hope Church in Middle Brook Street on Monday, October 9.
People that CAP Winchester has helped in the past were invited to attend, alongside volunteers and the charity’s partners.
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Babs Isaac, a debt centre manager, told the Chronicle: “We were set up about 10 years ago today – my predecessor and the previous church leader, they set up here. I took over about five years ago.
“We take a holistic approach. It’s not just about financial issues, these days it can also be mental health issues or a whole load of other factors. We look at a lot.
“In the past 10 years, we have had 299 clients book appointments, with 35 in the last year alone with 19 new cases. In the last year, the amount of monetary debt either repaid or written off is £94,367.”
Babs continued: “We’re really proud of the figures. What I’m really proud of is that these people have come forward and sought the help that they need. A lot of people struggle for a long time, they feel isolated and move one debt around.
“These people have asked for help, have sought our help, and are on the journey to become debt-free.
“Today we’ve just done afternoon tea for our ex-clients, for our supporters within the city, for our prayer support partners and our support people. We also run a café on Mondays for people who have been referred to us – because it’s a Monday, they are here!
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“Often we will do other events throughout the year which are specifically aimed at our current clients. It is important for them that it is confidential.
“I’m really pleased with today. Lots of people have been coming and going. I thought there would be more of a flow, but a lot of people have come and stayed which is great. People feel comfortable here. There has been a lot of networking, and we’ve been able to do introductions across the city. We also have people from Eastleigh, Romsey, and Southampton here, so it’s just been a really good opportunity for people to network and share ideas on how we can support people in debt or people in need.”
More information about CAP Winchester can be found on its website.
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