Millions turn to churches to help ease poverty as fuel and food costs rise

Christians Against Poverty have launched a £300,000 appeal to fight the Christmas debt crisis

Increasing numbers are turning to churches for help with food, heating and debt as festive spending pushes struggling households to breaking point, according to new research.

UK debt charity Christians Against Poverty has launched a £300,000 Christmas Appeal to help families across the UK cope with rising living costs, warning that people are being forced to choose between keeping warm and feeding their children.

According to the new report, Beyond Belief, one in four adults and half of young people have either turned to churches for help or know someone who has. Churches and other Christian organisations are offering everything from food parcels and toiletries to emergency energy top-ups and free debt advice.

According to the figures, 12.5 million or 23 per cent of UK adults say that they, a family member, or a friend has received support from a local church or Christian organisation within the last five years. One in 10 adults say they feel under particular financial pressure at Christmas.

Ben Warrender, a local Christians Against Poverty debt centre manager who supported single mother Jade to become debt-free, said: “Many of the people we’re helping are in such difficult situations that their main concern this Christmas isn’t presents, it’s 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 shops and energy top-ups, alongside long-term debt advice that helps families rebuild their lives.”

CAP’s Christmas appeal will fund emergency food shops, energy top-ups, and long-term debt help

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