Three decades ago, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) was born from a deep conviction that local churches, empowered by God's love and CAP’s financial expertise, could be a powerful force against UK poverty. As I look back, the countless lives transformed, the families brought back from the brink, and the strengthened communities stand as a testament to that belief.
As a church-based movement with over 3,000 local mission field workers, we have been able to stop poverty in its tracks, helping more than 68,000 people become debt free. These souls didn’t just find a way out of debt but a path to renewed hope, dignity and purpose. Together with over 1,000 local church partners, we proudly proclaim today: poverty stops with us!
However, we also have to confront a stark reality. The poverty landscape is shifting – becoming deeper, more complex and entrenched. In 2026, the struggles people face are multifaceted, demanding a collective response beyond anything seen in our history.
Cost of living pressures
One of the most pressing issues we see at CAP is the relentless cost of living squeeze, as prices rise far faster than low incomes. My heart bleeds for parents like Nadine: “I was working six days a week, but by the middle of the month my fridge was empty and I was living off emergency aid just to get by.” This isn’t ill-judged spending; it’s a fundamental imbalance where incomes fail to meet basic needs, hitting those on the lowest salaries with devastating force.
Declining mental health
Beyond immediate financial pressures, CAP debt coaches in churches across the UK are witnessing an alarming rise in clients facing significant mental health and other complex issues: around half will have contemplated suicide before seeking our help. People like Ron, who came to CAP after leaving the armed forces. Facing divorce and bereavement, Ron’s mental health declined and he ended up in debt: “I was always worried that bailiffs would turn up at my door. It was making it impossible to live normally… and was breaking me down mentally.”
An overwhelming social security system
Debt coaches in our partner churches offer compassionate support, linking clients to wider support services. Poverty’s human cost extends far beyond finances, robbing individuals of joy, confidence and peace of mind. But compounding this is a cumbersome social security system that often proves overwhelming for clients like Leanne: “No one ever tells you anything, and if you don’t know, you’ve not got a clue. And if you ring them, that’s even worse.” The system’s very complexity creates a barrier to support, further isolating those in need.
What can the church do?
Underlying it all, the UK faces a critical lack of accessible face-to-face debt counselling, and it is the church that now stands in this gap. Whether it’s someone with low literacy struggling online, a person with hearing loss unable to use the phone, or someone frozen by anxiety, the cracks are widening. Here, our church-based movement of face-to-face services brings Christ’s heart into local communities. We believe our unique approach, delivered through dedicated local churches, is a blueprint for supporting people with practical help, genuine community and the love of Jesus. I preached at our longest serving centre in Retford recently where I was able to reveal that they had cleared debt to a value that was 50% greater than their church cost to build. Just imagine the profound effect of that flow of God’s love into their community.
"The UK faces a critical lack of accessible face-to-face debt counselling, and it is the church that now stands in this gap."
There is one further consideration for society: are we returning to seeing poverty as a stigma? Poverty is rarely caused by poor choices; it is often a trap people fall into. In 1 Samuel 16:7 we are reminded not to judge by outward appearance. We must confront stereotypes that keep people trapped and silent. John 10:10 describes a thief who comes “to steal and kill and destroy” – an apt description of how poverty ensnares its victims. Yet Jesus came that all “may have life, and have it to the full”. Our movement’s role is to come alongside those lost sheep who are ensnared by poverty, and bring them into the love of Jesus, and so a full life.
The Christian faith shows us the inherent dignity in every person. By welcoming those we serve into a caring, locally-based fellowship of churches, we show God’s love in action. A person who feels confident and supported is far more likely to contribute positively to society.
As we turn 30, CAP is reimagining how we challenge poverty. Our vision is clear: transformed lives, thriving churches and an end to UK poverty. To achieve this, we are transforming our services and empowering our church partners through a Christ-centred movement, so we can deliver truly responsive, impactful change.
To discover more about our work and our heart for helping local churches reach into their communities, visit capuk.org
*client names have been changed
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