CAP [Christians Against Poverty]

There is a local CAP centre for the area based at Trinity, Chippenham and we publish here their latest newsletter.

Chippenham CAP Debt Centre Newsletter [Sept 2021]

Our Debt Centre is currently supporting eight families / individuals. It is an incredible privilege to be able to support people who are struggling financially in our local community, bringing hope and a solution to become debt-free. 

I've just come back from The Gathering, a 2-day CAP Conference in York, it was such a blessed and encouraging time.  There was a focus on the book of Nehemiah, working together to rebuild our nation after the pandemic. To have courage and make a difference. CAP's vision is: The importance of being bothered by what bothers God, His heart for those who are struggling in our community.  And the importance of prayer, to know God's heart and work in partnership with Him.

Some of my highlights this month have included:

- Completing 3 budget appointments, which includes giving clients the advice from our CAP Debt Advisers on the most suitable route out of debt. 

- Attending 'The Gathering', it was so fantastic to be together, learning and sharing great stories of lives being transformed from working with CAP.  I definitely left feeling inspired and well equipped.

- Preparing to run our first CAP Money Course at Station Hill Baptist Church.  It is great to be offering a course which everyone can benefit from and can make a real difference, helping people to take control of their finances and budget effectively.    

- Providing baby items for a new mother-to-be.  This CAP client was so chuffed to been given many items for free.  

Our Debt Centre covers SN13, SN14 and SN15 postcodes (Corsham, Chippenham and surrounding areas).  There is no waiting list at the moment and so we can see new clients straightaway.  If you know anyone struggling, please encourage them to ring our New Enquiries Team on 0800 328 0006.  I have created a short video which introduces me and how our service works. 


CAP Money Course

We will start running the CAP Money Course in Chippenham this month. This is a revolutionary money management course that teaches budgeting skills and a simple, cash-based system that really works.

It is free, delivered over 3 sessions and available to everyone, from students to the newly retired, single people and for families.  With households feeling the squeeze on their disposable income, we’ve all got to get a bit more savvy about our money to get through these tough times. If you know how to save and budget effectively, it can have a positive impact on the whole family.  It can also debt-proof you in the long term.

Our first course will be delivered at Station Hill Baptist Church on Tue 28th Sep, Tue 5th Oct and Tue 12th Oct (10.15 - 12.00).  We still have spaces available to book.  

We will then be running a bespoke course in November at the Spring Rise Children's Centre (Frogwell, Chippenham) for parents.  In January we are planning another CAP Money Course in the evening (Mon 17th, 24th and 31st Jan) back at Station Hill Baptist Church, which will be great for those who cannot attend during the day due to work or caring responsibilities.   Find out more about this course.

Prayer Requests:

-For our current CAP clients - may God bless and help them in the process of becoming debt-free.  Please especially pray for those who are starting a CAP Plan this month that the process will be smooth and a good start will be made.  We also pray for our clients to know God's love and care.

-For an increased awareness of the help we can offer from our Debt Centre within our local community and for new clients. 

-For the first CAP Money Course, including all the logistics of running this course and for the delegates who have already booked a place, as well as for those who are still to book on.  

Financial Support

Chris Moore and Phil Wren are both currently raising sponsorship money for our CAP Debt Centre.  Chris is a CAP Befriender and she completed the Bowood Half Ironman on Sunday 12th September which is such a fantastic achievement.  There is still the chance to sponsor her.  Phil is a Chippenham CAP Centre Trustee and is due to do the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday 19th September, if you would like to sponsor him.     
 
If you wish to give to our debt centre directly, our account details are: CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ.  We are called 'Chippenham CAP Centre' - Sort Code: 40-52-40 and Account Number: 00034043.  
 
We are incredibly thankful to have received financial support for our Chippenham Debt Centre from Wiltshire Community Foundation and Chippenham Borough Lands Charity. 

Maria Baker – Chippenham CAP Debt Centre Manager

Find Out More About CAP