Communities Fund has provided £850 of match funding
Supporting Coventry families to become debt free
Coventry, England, United Kingdom
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Aim
Coventry Debt Centre helps vulnerable residents with debt, budgeting and managing bills. We need to raise funds to stay open next year.
Who are we, and what is our project about?
Our Coventry Debt Centre supports people struggling with debt, budgeting and managing bills. We support people face to face at home, but are also increasingly offering public drop-in sessions to those who may be nervous about seeking help. Drop-in sessions catch many issues early. If we support someone early (as soon as a bill or benefits problem emerges), we then prevent stress building up and stop them from developing problem debt. Our support helps clients feel more secure and more in control of their finances. Our debt coaches teach clients straightforward ways to manage their household bills and outstanding debt.
We are one of 250 debt centres overseen by Christians Against Poverty (CAP) and our work is supported by churches across Coventry through HOPE Coventry.
Watch a video about our work here
Gerald* had been struggling with debt for years, particularly after suffering a stroke which left him with ongoing memory difficulties. Since meeting him, we’ve helped him set up payments for all his bills and contacted his creditors on his behalf. With additional support around his complex health needs, he has also received help with his council tax debt. Gerald now has clarity, peace of mind, and a clear plan in place to move towards becoming debt free.
Jane* was referred to us by a friend who had worked with CAP. Her finances were out of control, and she was not paying any bills. She had bailiffs at her door and she was petrified. We helped her apply for benefits that she was entitled to, set up payments for her ongoing bills and we supported her through the process of applying for a Debt Relief Order. Jane is now debt free! She said it feels like a weight has been lifted and she is now in control of her finances!
'Before using the Debt Centre, I was unaware of how much debt I was in, always worried every knock at the door would be a bailiff or going a day without a creditors calling was really getting to me physically and mentally. With the help of the debt coach I have finally found a light at the end of the tunnel. Every step of the journey with Coventry Debt Centre was tailored just for me and what I required. Meetings were always in a safe place and they were on the phone whenever I needed more help. I would recommend them to anyone who is struggling with debt or just need some financial advice.'
We also regularly run Money Management courses across different venues in the city, which teach people in 3 sessions to budget and to find ways to organise their spending. These sessions are invaluable, as nearly all of us have never been taught how to manage the limited money we have.
We support 50 new families face to face each year, with an additional 150 clients seen at drop-in centres. 10 families would become debt free each year, with more clearing smaller debts through drop-in support.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We will be able to keep the debt centre open in this time of rising prices and stresses facing vulnerable Coventry residents. We will continue to offer inclusive support to residents at drop-in sessions run at social supermarkets and food banks. We provide face to face home visit support for clients with more complex needs.
Our work doesn't just help individuals and their wider family. Communities are helped as we also support people back into work and volunteering roles.
How we’ll spend the money raised
We will continue to employ our expert debt centre staff to offer bespoke support to Coventry clients. We currently have 64.5 hours of staff time (over 3 staff members) and would like to fundraise enough this year to continue. Our support is in high demand, but we don't currently have the financial reserves to continue into next year.
The majority of our costs are staff salaries and a monthly fee to CAP's head office for their advice and support. Overheads are small, as we primarily work out in the community.
How you can help
There are three simple ways to get involved and support our project:
1. Make a donation
Every pledge gets us closer to our goal. Early support can help build momentum and inspire others to give too.
2. Spread the word
Share our project with friends, family and your wider network. The more people we reach, the more likely we are to succeed.
3. Volunteer with us
If you live in the Coventry area and would like to be volunteer befriender with the Debt Centre, please contact Ian Burton (Debt Centre Manager) at [email protected]
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 5th November 2026 at 9:34am