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Jesus said to his host - “The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends or family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favour. Invite some people who never get invited out -the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.”
 
As we move out of lockdown and begin to come round tables again, these words from Jesus are a real challenge. Who do we share our time and tables with? A poignant question as we reflect on the economic impacts of COVID, knowing how hard it has hit communities that were already facing the rising tide of poverty. For families carrying the burden of debt, unemployment and many facing issues of isolation, relationship breakdown and loss, life is tough. 
 
Christians Against Poverty is a UK debt counselling and anti-poverty charity that, at its heart, seeks to connect the local Church with those in most need, regardless of background. Our unique partnership between individual Churches, across a wide range of denominations, who know their local communities and our highly trained, FCA regulated, Head Office teams, work to enable families to journey out of debt. 
 
Debt can be all consuming. Shame and embarrassment rob people of dignity. Before CAP’s help, almost 1/5 miss meals daily. Over 35% of clients say that they have seriously considered or attempted suicide because of debt before CAP got involved. 
 
Here in Scotland, our network of 24 community based debt centres offers hope to those in the most difficult situations. Through over 20 years of providing free debt advice locally, we know that there is always a solution. Lives can be rebuilt. 
 
At CAP, we know debt isn’t just a financial issue. We strive to offer people the very best support that goes the extra mile as standard. We are interested in whole person transformation. Our army of volunteers never shy to provide kindness and compassion, a friendly face, a listening ear, electric top ups or a cooked meal. Bringing families round their tables, just like Jesus called us to do. 
 
One client, Andy, was at rock bottom when he called CAP. Broken relationship, mounting debts, alcohol misuse, anger. We took the burden of his debt and showed him a way forward. This created space for him to heal, to rebuild his relationship, his well-being and his life. Andy is now debt free, he paid it all back, married and working as a local debt centre manager, helping others find freedom. 
 
Debt is not exclusive to people of a certain age or of a specific household make-up. Unexpected circumstances mean that no-one is immune to finding themselves in a financial crisis. Debt is not something to be ashamed of and no one should feel embarrassed about seeking help. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem debt, now is the time to seek help. CAP is here to help. 
 
The last 12 months have reinforced that community and connection matter to us all. Even more so when you’re facing the most challenging circumstances. While we can’t all be debt experts, we can all reflect on Jesus’s words - who’s around our tables? Who we could reach out to, offer dinner to? Who are you going to invite? 
 
To find out more about debt help from Christians Against Poverty go to capscotland.org or call 0800 328 006 for free, confidential help. 
 

Emma Jackson, National Director Scotland
Emma is the Scotland Director for Christian’s Against Poverty (CAP) overseeing the work in Scotland of this UK wide debt and anti-poverty charity, which helps around 22,000 people each year. Emma has worked for CAP for 8 years, previously working in senior leadership in disability and Higher Education. Emma speaks widely on the subject of debt, money management and how we can serve those in most need in our communities.  Emma is married to Niall and they have three children. They all live in the rural Scottish Borders enjoying outdoor life. Emma is also a contributor for BBC Radio Scotland’s Thought for the Day and a board member of the Poverty Alliance.