Income deprivation affecting children is in the highest 20% in the country and the worst in West Oxfordshire. (IMD 2019)

Income deprivation affecting children is in the highest 20% in the country and the worst in West Oxfordshire.*

*Government Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2019

In 2017 we established a Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre. Anyone in OX7 now has free access to debt support.

Engaged with 118 housholds over the last 6 years, 30 of whom are now debt free.

Keys to unlocking potential

CAP Debt Centre

We work alongside St Mary’s Church and The Community Church to run a CAP Debt Centre in Chipping Norton, part of a national charity that gives free help to anyone in debt. Thousands of people have already been given hope and a solution. Find out more about CAP Debt Help.

We have extended this work to incorporate CAP Life Skills

At its core, this eight week course teaches people practical skills and money management techniques in a hands-on way, such as how to shop for and cook healthy food on a budget, as well as discussing related issues such as relationships and health. The course members also benefit from one to one coaching and community time to build their support network. 

The Branch will enable us to extend this work and run a weekly drop in at the heart of the community to offer ongoing support and encouragement.

We currently have a large waiting list for this course, with regular referrals from Job Centres, Connections Support, schools, health visitors, OX7 and toddler groups.  Central to this course is cookery – gathering to share and learn skills and cook together.

Endorsement

“CAP are unsurpassed when it comes to the debt help they give people across the country. There’s nothing better to start you on the path to having more money in your pocket.”

Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert