A new debt counselling centre has opened this month in Prestonpans. The new centre has being opened through a partnership of the national debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) and St Peters Church Musselburgh, and St Andrews Church, Prestonpans.

The latest figures from the Department of Trade and Industry show that 1 in 4 households across the UK are in financial difficulties and debts so this new service will be fulfilling a great, perhaps hidden, need in East Lothian.

Tina Mackinnon, the Centre Manager said “It is a real privilege to have the opportunity to serve the folk in our local community, and to know that the service we offer can make such a difference to peoples lives.”

Tina will be able to offer a practical sustainable solution to anyone who is suffering as a result of overwhelming debts and financial difficulties. The consequences of which can include divorce, eviction, going hungry and even suicide, not to mention the stress generated by collectors at the door, threats of court action, feeling helpless and alone.

One of CAP’s clients said: “To be in debt is so demeaning it affects your marriage, your children and your outlook on life. The knock at the door always makes you jump. The moment we came to CAP, all the stress which is bought on by debt was lifted. CAP helped us to budget and live within it, which was invaluable. My husband is 60 and I am 55 and to know that we are free of debt is so wonderful.”

Instead of offering a short term solution of cash donations, CAP works with families and negotiates with creditors to work out a realistic budget which prioritises food and essential bills to ensure they will be debt free within four years.  Tina is supported and managed by the Operations Centre in Bradford so that she is also able to offer her clients a CAP Account and Insolvency Service. The CAP Account acts as a simple bank account to help people physically pay their priority debts and the Insolvency Service provides a solution to those who even with careful budgeting would be facing a life sentence of debt repayments.

From a small and modest start of one man and a £10 donation, CAP has grown in just 9 years to a national charity with 36 centres nationwide. It has won numerous awards for the quality of the service, it’s management and growth, including winning Charity of the Year 2003 in it’s field of advice and being short listed for the UK charity Awards 2005. It is also part of the Advice UK network.   Why not check out our national website at  www.capuk.org

If you would like any further information on CAP’s free service or to find out how you can get involved supporting this new centre you can reach Tina on 01875 818800.