Barnet churches help local families clear over £700,000 in debt

Christ Church Barnet and The Stable Church Barnet launched the Debt Centre in hope of helping local people to sort out their finances reports Leila Davaud

Three women, two of whom are holding an large iced cake — Photo caption : The CAP Barnet Team at their anniversary celebrations: Debt Centre manager, Karen Hedges, Debt Centre administrator, Tao Smith, and Debt coach, Beth Raynor.

“It can happen to anyone, anywhere,” says Beth Raynor, coach at the Debt Centre, as she discusses getting into financial difficulty. She adds: “There is no shame or guilt.”

For the last four years, she and her co-worker have been working with over 20 volunteers from Christ Church Barnet, The Stable Church Barnet and five other churches to help local families get their finances back on track.

She explains: “The Debt Centre, in partnership with UK Debt and the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) charity is a free local debt advice service. If the initiative comes from places of worship, anyone from Barnet, of any faith, any gender, any origin can request our services. No exception.”

Launched in 2021, the Debt Centre meets with two households per month. “We offer a minimum of three meetings. We assess their situation, come up with a plan and put it into action.”

In five years, 47 people have been helped and over £700,000 worth of debt has been paid back or cleared through insolvency. “One piece of advice that I always give is: don’t delay. As soon as you’re at risk of debt, or already in debt, contact us. There is help and hope to resolve the matter promptly.”

In the London region, CAP client data shows an average debt of £13,000, with repayment typically taking 11 years. Mental health is the leading cause of this debt, cited by 20% of clients, followed by low income (17%) and relationship breakdown (10%).

CAP has outlined four key traits shaping who its services are built for. Clients often need face-to-face support, have little to no financial cushion (no savings, missed payments, mounting bills) and face vulnerabilities ranging from health issues to major life shocks like job loss or bereavement. Low income remains a common thread throughout.

Beth explains: “Debt is the fruit of something happening in somebody’s life. Our goal is to figure out what triggered the financial struggle and, hopefully, we are able to treat it to the root. Sometimes, it’s as simple as food bank vouchers that can win some time to settle a few bills.”

Karen Hedges, London Barnet Debt Centre’s manager, says: “Many of the people we’ve helped were really struggling when we first met them but it’s amazing to see the hope and confidence restored in their lives again now.

“As we are a local team, we’re able to provide an amazing free, face-to-face service, with practical help such as food shops or fuel top-ups when needed, along with emotional support and encouragement. This has helped restore hope, saved family relationships, improved people’s mental wellbeing and changed many local lives for the better.”

Speaking of big changes, budget coaching is one of the Debt Centre’s key services. Beth Raynor says: “For a lot of people, budgeting is really hard. They have not been taught, it seems too complicated. Our goal is to teach people so they don’t need the centre in the future.”

So, in September, Beth and her colleagues will meet with students to introduce them to simple budgeting tools. “The cost of living crisis is still very much a reality and young people are facing it while trying to start their life. It’s important to help them.”

Beth regrets that, on average, people take up to three years before seeking help. “It is our job to help you. Come to us. There is no judgement. Our mandate from Jesus is to help people get freedom. Freedom of debt is part of the belief!”

If you are struggling with your finances, you can find out more about what services the Debt Centre and CAP offer in your area by visiting capuk.org/help or calling 0800 328 0006.

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