Sorted Magazine

Category: Community

  • Mind the gap: tackling debt

    Average household debt is at record levels, with more people finding their income doesn’t cover essential spending, fuelled by the cost-of-living crisis. There is help available, as David Chambers of Community Money Advice explains.

    In 1992, Heather Keates and her husband Tim experienced the sudden death of their five-month-old son Tom from a rare health condition. The family spiralled into debt and spent the next twelve years paying back over £30,000 with the care and support of their wider family, friends and local church. The Keates came close to losing everything, and Heather started thinking about other people who fall on hard times and have no-one to turn to for advice and help. 

    Heather’s Christian faith spurred her into action to set up a debt advice clinic in 1997 in West Sussex from which Community Money Advice was born, becoming a registered charity in 2003. Today, CMA’s network of over 160 Debt Advice and Connect Centres across the UK help more than 7,000 clients a year manage debts worth £71 million in total and make their money go further. 

    Community Money Advice is a major provider of face-to-face debt help and support free at the point of need, available to all who require it and live close to a nearby centre. It’s especially suited to those considered vulnerable, who struggle with their mental health or find the limitations of online or telephone-only services hard to cope with. CMA partners with lots of different organisations, creating a diverse centre network hosted by churches and community groups; embedded within housing associations and district councils; and aligned with foodbanks and social enterprises.

    At the heart of CMA’s debt help service are the 1,100 paid and volunteer centre staff who sit down with clients to listen and understand their money troubles. Giving clients the time and space to share their story and the burden of debt is a formative first step on the pathway to a debt-free future.

    CMA’s service finds its way into some unexpected places. Malcolm Lee volunteers at The Bridge Money Advice Centre in St Ives, Cambs, but sees clients in the neighbouring prison. HMP Littlehey is a Category C male prison with a population of 1,200. As part of rehabilitation and release planning, offenders can make an appointment with Malcolm to help deal with personal debts. 

    “Being on remand or serving a custodial sentence stops someone earning a living or receiving most state benefits, drastically cutting their personal income,” explains Malcolm. “Managing regular payments and sorting out arrears whilst inside, with little or no contact to the outside world, means we can stand in the gap. In the period leading up to their release, we discuss the various debt management options and enable a person convicted of a crime to learn basic money skills so as to be better prepared to manage their financial affairs. 

    “It can be really difficult for an ex-offender to adjust to being back in open society and move on with their life, particularly when they’ve spent a long time in jail. The opportunity to engage with that person in the lead up to release, and provide follow-on support through a local CMA centre, can make all the difference to getting themselves back on their feet and lessen the risk of re-offending.”

    Volunteer Malcolm Lee outside HMP Littlehey

    CMA centres are natural allies with foodbanks and social supermarkets, because recipients of food parcels and fixed-price baskets of cupboard essentials find it impossible to make ends meet. Claire Birdsall runs The Oaks Money Advice Centre within Blackburn Foodbank, part of the Trussell network. The centre has seen client numbers rise by 12% year on year, but it’s the higher proportion of clients with deficit budgets that’s more of a concern. As Claire explains, “Once a person signs up as a client, we do a deep dive into their household finances to produce a budget statement showing income, spending and personal debts. A household budget plan could often be adjusted to cover a one-off increase in an essential cost. However, the cost-of-living crisis has seen significant increases across the board on rent, energy, council tax, utilities, insurance, and transport – on top of food costs. Whilst the minimum wage and benefits have gone up, average incomes have not kept pace with annual inflation, and the gap between what’s coming in and what’s going out is getting bigger for more people. 

    “It’s an issue that can’t always be solved at a local level and needs a national plan of action to tackle the inequality and poverty a deficit budget only makes worse. Our goal is to take someone feeling at rock bottom and be that helping hand to overcome their financial hardship and continue doing it on their own without us. If they have no choice but to continue living with a deficit budget after coming to see us, they’ll end up back where they started and the cycle of debt won’t be broken.”

    CMA’s Policy & External Affairs Manager Steve Bolton acknowledges Claire’s experience is a growing one. “We know that not all people’s problems can be solved by our local centres, and there are underlying structural and systemic issues that are driving poverty and inequality. An example of this is the fact that so many of our clients struggle to make ends meet. CMA’s 2023 Impact Report shows that 67% of centre network advisers saw deficit budgets ‘very often’, and 24% saw them ‘often’. CMA is a strong voice within the debt advice sector and campaigns for change to alleviate financial hardship and lift people out of poverty. In order to push for change effectively, we also partner with other charities and think tanks. It is vital that we do all we can to address the root causes of debt, and ensure that those experiencing debt are treated with dignity and respect. CMA supports our network of centres and their clients by amplifying their voices to influence wider policy decision-making by regulators and government.”

    Research undertaken by Debt Justice in 2022 shows ethnically diverse British people are almost twice as likely to be in serious debt than their white counterparts (7% v 4%). An Office for National Statistics survey in 2023 into the cost-of-living crisis found just over half of Asian or Asian British adults, and 47% of Black, African, Caribbean, or Black British adults were finding it difficult to afford their rent or mortgage payments, compared with 33% among White adults.

    CMA has a handful of centres serving Muslim, Hindu and Afro-Caribbean communities but wants to see many more open to enable ethnic minority people plagued by debt get access to the help they need. CMA’s Business Development Manager, David Chambers is keen to find opportunities with suitable organisations interested in setting up a debt help service in their community. “CMA is run with a strong Christian ethos at its heart but partners with organisations of all faiths, or none, in an understanding of mutual trust and respect for one another’s values. What matters is joining forces to widen access to the expert help people need to deal with the misery of being in debt.”

    The London Borough of Enfield received the first of two Royal Charters in 1303 from King Edward I, nearly 90 years after the signing of the Magna Carta. According to the 2021 Census, Enfield’s population now stands at 338,000, with just under 30% identifying as belonging to ethnically diverse groups. The harsh realities of day-to-day life for many of the residents belies Enfield’s regal associations. Jubilee Central in Lumina Way is where you’ll find CMA’s Enfield Debt Centre. Opened in 2018, it’s part of a portfolio of support services available to the local community including fuel bank, befriending, school uniform project, addiction recovery, and foodbank. “It shows in stark terms the ripple effects of being in debt,” says John Franks, CMA’s COO. 

    “Falling into debt can be the result of mental health conditions, and being in debt can bring on mental health conditions. Lifestyle choices, the sudden loss of a loved one and unexpected changes in circumstances such as serious illness and unemployment are some of the main reasons behind the epidemic of personal debt sweeping across the UK. The cost-of-living crisis has drained away household savings built up during the pandemic, leaving more people without a safety net and fighting to keep their heads above water. For the most vulnerable and marginalised in society, the situation is often much worse.”

    CMA’s Debt Advice and Connect Centres are on the front line in the battle to defeat problem debt, offering free, unconditional and confidential advice. If you are struggling with debt or money worries, then visit communitymoneyadvice.com 

    CAN YOU HELP?

    If you are interested in helping others with money worries by establishing a local money advice service in your community, or in volunteering at a CMA centre local to you, please contact CMA’s business development manager in the first instance, by emailing: david@communitymoneyadvice.com 

    If you’d like to train to be a Budget Coach, to help family, friends and others in your community manage their household budgets, CMA offers a one-day online course, which will teach you budget management skills, and also when and how to identify a need for the help of a qualified debt adviser and how to make that referral. Contact: training@communitymoneyadvice.com

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of CMA

  • Community: Teachers and family inspire good deeds

    Research commissioned by Tesco, as part of its Stronger Starts Golden Grants initiative suggests that Brits will carry out 265 good deeds a year. Popular acts of kindness include holding doors, checking in with someone or boosting their confidence, and donating items to food banks. Earlier this year customers in one hundred Tesco stores nationwide were given the opportunity to do their own good deed by awarding a local school or children’s group a £5,000 Stronger Starts Golden Grant.

    According to the Tesco research among the most common acts of kindness are holding the door open for someone (67%), checking in with someone to ensure they’re well (54%), trying to boost someone’s confidence (35%), picking up litter (23%) and donating items to a food bank (12%). The study indicates that inspirational people have played a significant role in motivating acts of kindness. 7% of respondents said they had been inspired by a teacher and 27% had been influenced by a family member. It would appear that both families and wider communities play a significant part in fostering a culture of kindness.

    Psychologist and broadcaster, Emma Kenny said: “Science tells us doing good deeds can have psychological benefits, strengthen social bonds, and there is even evidence to suggest it can improve physical health, potentially lowering blood pressure. So it’s great to see so many claiming to regularly be dishing out acts of kindness, not only is it likely to be helping someone else, it’s also likely to be helping them.”

    The research also showed that people hoping to fall on the receiving end of a good deed should not expect to get lucky during the morning commute or school run, with just 3% of the country saying they’re prone to doing good deeds before 9am. The research revealed that more than a third of the nation (37%) say they tend to do good deeds at a particular time of day, with 12.48pm the average time they’re likely to happen. This particular finding informed Tesco’s decision to arrange their Stronger Starts Golden Grants celebrations (which took place in 100 Tesco stores nationwide in March) from 12-1pm when customers were more likely to participate in an act of kindness. Tesco Stronger Starts is committed to supporting more than 5,000 schools and children’s groups with £5 million in funding every year. This funding aims to provide nutritious food and resources to keep children physically active throughout the school day.

    Main Photo Credit: Max Fischer via Pexels

  • Archbishop of Canterbury: “Give volunteering a go!”

    The Archbishop of Canterbury is leading calls for Britain’s faithful to get involved with the Big Help Out this 7-9th June from an Interfaith Iftar at the Eritrean Muslim Community Association. Last year more than seven million people took part in the Big Help Out, Britain’s biggest volunteering opportunity, and this year it’s even longer, across a long weekend.

     The Archbishop will be making the call at volunteer-led preparations for an Iftar hosted by the Eritrean Muslim Community Association (EMCA) on Wandsworth Road, where he will have the opportunity, along with representatives of other faiths including Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Co-CEO of Progressive Judaism and Professor Jagbir Jhutti-Johal, Professor of Sikh Studies, University of Birmingham, to meet volunteers from across the EMCA’s work and hear about the impact that faith-based volunteering has on communities struggling with poverty.

    Faith organisations provide the backbone of British volunteering, the Church of England alone accounts for more than 23 million hours a month. In recent years churches have seen a 44% increase in demand for community services thanks to the cost of living crisis with one in four reporting a shortage of volunteers.

    The Archbishop of Canterbury said: “I am delighted to endorse the 2024 Big Help Out, a wonderful opportunity for us to get together and make a difference in our communities. Volunteering is not just for some people; it’s something we can all do. When we befriend an elderly neighbour, make a meal for someone who would otherwise be hungry, or pack up nappies and babygrows to help a new parent, we make a meaningful difference and are changed ourselves in the process. There are countless ways, both big and small, that we can give our time and talents, loving our neighbour as Jesus calls us to do. Millions of us embraced this spirit of service through the Big Help Out to mark the King’s Coronation. A year on, I urge everyone to give volunteering a go: paint a wall; meet someone new; tend to a community garden. Whatever you do, I hope and pray that you experience the joy of being part of something bigger than yourself, contributing to your community, and witnessing the transformational impact it can have in the world.”

    Adel Negash, General Manager of EMCA said: “Volunteering is giving back and appreciating God’s givings. The concept of religion is to spread goodness and to help others. In reality, volunteering is the most rewarding work ever because your reward is from God Almighty, and you will be rewarded in a way that you don’t understand: in your health, in your safety and your security, in the well-being of your family and the satisfaction that you get when you see another human being has been helped by you and you become part of something good.”

    Jewish Volunteering Network via Nicky Goldman, CEO said: “JVN is delighted to support the Big Help Out and encourage those charities in our network in the Jewish community and wider charity sector to participate. There are many ways to volunteer and we hope that people will be inspired to find their own.”

    Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Co-CEO of Progressive Judaism said: “Volunteering alongside our friends and neighbours of all faiths and backgrounds is a key Jewish value and needed now more than ever. It not only directly benefits those being supported, but also helps to strengthen relationships and friendships between our faiths. We encourage all our members and communities to take part in the Big Help Out 2024.”

    Brendan Cox said: “Faith organisations are the backbone of British volunteering, and the Big Help Out is a unique opportunity to connect the faithful with their wider communities. In recent years we’ve seen faith groups play an invaluable role in supporting families through the cost of living crisis, providing services like food banks, warm spaces, skill sharing and much more. Now, through the Big Help Out there are countless ways to get involved all over the country. So whatever you want to do, whether it’s the church foodbank, supporting care in the community through your local mosque or working with local children at your synagogue, the Big Help Out is your chance to start volunteering. It could be one of the best things you ever do.”

    Main Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jersey Road PR

  • Community: The changing landscape of volunteering

    Digital Editor’s Note: I’m very pleased to welcome Girls’ Brigade CEO Judith Davey-Cole as our Guest Writer. Judith reflects on the changing landscape of volunteering.

    Judith writes: Volunteerism is deeply rooted in human history. It has played a pivotal role in shaping societies, addressing pressing issues, and bringing about significant positive transformation. 

    In the past four years the world has seen unprecedented change. The repercussions of the pandemic, war in Ukraine, the Israel-Gaza war and the cost-of-living crisis continue to impact us all along with the communities we live in.

    Understandably volunteer participation has not yet fully recovered. In the latest Community Life Survey, the proportion of the UK population who volunteer had dropped from 23% in 2019/2020 to 16% the following year (2021/2022). However, we know the positive impact volunteering can have. Research has shown that volunteering offers significant health benefits both physical and mental and can provide a sense of purpose.

    It is undeniable that charities like ours at Girls’ Brigade could not function or deliver programmes without volunteers. They carry out our services to girls and young women across the country, leading groups and connecting with communities. We have volunteers from ages 18-94. This year alone, eight of our wonderful volunteers are marking 50 years of service! 

    Jo Thoy is 67 years old from Durham. She has been a part of Girls’ Brigade since 1965 first as a member and then a volunteer – the usual path our young women take. Jo said, “Girls’ Brigade has been my life. If you cut me in half like a stick of rock candy, you’d see Girls’ Brigade written all through me.” The welcoming community that she experienced as a young girl is what keeps her engaged as a volunteer leader and she’s determined to keep that encouraging and safe environment prevalent for all her members today. 

    Jo was diagnosed with cancer several years ago, but that didn’t stop her from investing in Girls’ Brigade – she was surrounded by love and care through the whole process. Jo believes this commitment goes two ways: “It doesn’t matter how long you volunteer for, but loyalty is vital.”

    But it doesn’t take someone working directly with volunteers to recognise that the world has changed since Jo first got involved with Girls’ Brigade. With volunteering on a steady decline, long-term, committed volunteers like Jo may not be the norm anymore. Work commitments, caring responsibilities and falling living standards are all affecting the longevity that volunteers can commit for. 

    For younger volunteers, like 27-year-old Grace Claydon in Essex who also has two jobs, the reason she’s volunteering now is much more important than the question of how long she’ll volunteer for: “Girls’ Brigade gave me so much as a young woman growing up, and it’s so important to me to be able to give back and provide those opportunities I had to the next generation.” 

    Grace said: “I think it’s good to be part of something … you’re more likely to be loyal to something if you feel like you belong. Girls’ Brigade has always been a safe place for me, and a place of belonging. But all volunteering is important and valuable. We all go through seasons of life and sometimes things work for us and sometimes they don’t.”

    Attitudes towards volunteering may be changing, but the need for volunteers isn’t shrinking. Volunteers are helping us create a movement. They’re on the ground seeing life transformation. I firmly believe if we celebrate the commitment of our volunteers, allowing them to express the impact it has had on their lives and dedicate our time to the next generation of leaders providing opportunities for people to serve in safe environments, we may just see a big change in 2024. 

    Main Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Girls’ Brigade 

  • Jonathan’s House – can you help?

    Hello, my name is Jody, and I am the CEO and Founder of a new ministry called Jonathan’s House Ministries. Men who have suffered abuse need a place where they can go and receive support to get past the trauma and other side effects of abuse. Jonathan’s House Ministries firmly believes in all men, and that all men deserve to be healed, restored, and eventually fulfilled. Through building safe spaces and educating people on the effects of abuse, we believe we can change things for male victims of abuse across the UK.

    Our vision is to create safe spaces for male victims of domestic abuse to find healing and support through trauma-specific therapy and counselling.  Our first approach is to establish male domestic abuse refuges. The aim is to have these available throughout the UK.

    In tandem with this, we work with churches to raise awareness about male domestic abuse. Our website was recently launched in July, and attached to it we have a helpline as well as a webchat. 

    We have several volunteer positions available for the right people to join our team:

    1. Church Ambassadors: This will be a fun but challenging role, creating a working partnership between JHM and our church partners. Each Ambassador will work within their local churches to be a listening ear for men who may have suffered from abuse, to create strong networks within their communities for men to come and be part of peer-to-peer groups. Also, as a church ambassador you will work with your pastor to refer victims of abuse to Jonathan’s House Ministries. 
    1. Helpline: We’re looking for pastoral support volunteers to man our phones and online chats. The helpline is an incredibly busy part of this ministry. You will receive phone calls from men and women from all walks of life. 
    1. Fundraising: We are looking for people who can help JHM raise funds to support the men who come into our houses, but also funding for our volunteers.   
    1. Social Media/PR: We need someone to come onboard our team and to manage our social media accounts, to create stories, reels, maintain our great connections with people. Social media is where Jonathan’s House Ministries is creating a good profile and it is our desire to improve in this area. So, if you have experience in this area please get in touch. 

    We also want to create safe zones throughout the UK. These safe zones will be places for men to go to find support, and safety from abusive situations. If you are a church leader and would like to know more about how to become a safe zone, then please email office@jonathanshouse.org.uk. 

    Jonathan’s House Ministries is Christian organisation with a very clear mandate, that is to help men, who have been victims of abuse. We believe that Jesus expects us to be salt and light to the world, we have no political agenda, although there are times when we need to stand in front of politicians to fight for men’s rights. 

     If you would like to be part of our team, then please visit Give Help – Jonathan’s House Ministries (jonathanshouse.org.uk) and apply. If you lead a church and would like to know more about Jonathan’s House Ministries, please call 01633 501406, or email connect@jonathanshouse.org.uk for more information.