Christians Against Poverty is a national debt counselling charity working through a network of over 100 centres based in local churches. CAP offers hope and a solution to anyone in debt through its unique, in-depth service.

Our service is practical, long-term and freely available to anyone, regardless of age, race, religion, disability or any other factor. We work with clients until they are debt free, offering a holistic approach that tackles more than just their financial status. Our budgets and plans are manageable and sustainable and we place particular emphasis on saving for the future too. This empowers and enables clients to pay their rent on time and in full. For example, last year alone, we saved over 300 families from eviction.

CAP aims to show God's love in action by providing sustainable poverty relief through debt counselling, advice and practical help. CAP's unique 'hands on' approach empowers people to help themselves out of poverty and be released from the fear, oppression and worry generated by overwhelming debts. We are providing sustainable poverty relief as our service teaches clients vital budgeting skills that will last a lifetime.

The charity operates through a growing network of over 100 UK centres, all opened in partnership with a local church. CAP began in 1996 when John Kirkby, armed with a £10 donation, started to help people in his local community who were trapped in debt.

The charity is now a fast-paced, growing organisation whose vision is to answer the national problem of debt in the UK by having at least one CAP Centre operating in every major town and city by the year 2021.

  The Chichester Centre

The Chichester Centre is based at Chichester Baptist Church, 124 Sherborne Road, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 3AW and works in partnership with other churches in and around the city.

The Centre Manager is Colin Clark and can be contacted on 078 1556 1868 or by email on chichester@capuk.org

  Step by Step Guide to How we Help


1. Home Visit
After you call CAP free on 0800 328 0006 a CAP Debt Advisor and Support Worker from the Chichester CAP Centre will visit you in your own home.


2. An Effective Budget
A realistic budget is then worked out at CAP HQ by prioritising your essential bills, negotiating affordable payments with each creditor and stopping unfair interest and charges where possible. The local CAP Debt Advisor will then visit you again to explain the budget and the payments you will need to make.


3. CAP Account
A CAP Account is then set up for you. This acts like a simple bank account. You will need to make one weekly or monthly payment into your account to cover all of your bills and debts. CAP will then distribute this on your behalf. You can also make savings in your CAP Account.


4. Insolvency (Bankruptcy)
If you are in severe debt then we can walk you through insolvency, like petitioning for bankruptcy. We can help you to fill out the forms and even attend court with you.


5. Debt Free and Beyond
You will use your CAP Account to pay your bills and debt repayments and you will be supported by a team at CAP HQ until you are debt free. You may keep your CAP Account even after you are debt free.