Debt Charity’s New Report on State of Poverty in the South East and Help Available for People

Published on: 3 Nov, 2025
Updated on: 3 Nov, 2025

More than a fifth of adults in the South East have daily financial anxieties, according to a new report by the UK debt and budgeting charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

Grace Church Guildford partners CAP with a debt centre in the town, and during Talk Money Week (November 3 to 7), it is revealing new data as part of CAP’s latest Picture of Poverty report.

CAP Guildford Debt Centre manager Helen Kershaw (right) and debt coach Laura Armstrong.

It reports that further insights indicate people struggling with debt and money management are not just looking for financial help but also personal connection.

The report also reveals that when thinking about their current financial situation, nearly a quarter (23%) of adults in the South East say they would find in-person debt advice helpful.

CAP Guildford’s debt coach, Helen Kershaw, said: “Financial anxiety is a real issue that we often come across when first meeting many of our clients.

“The immense pressure that unmanageable debt plays can be all-consuming and totally overwhelming. Thankfully, having the opportunity to talk about their finances in-person with a CAP debt coach or befriender can help ease their worries.”

In CAP’s latest Client Report, respondents said that their local debt coach helped them by:
Helping with paperwork (54%). Speaking to CAP’s central support hub on the client’s behalf (51%). Providing practical help, e.g. food shops and fuel vouchers (38%). Staying in contact by phone or text (45%). Giving emotional support (42%). Offering to pray with the client (62%).

Helen Kershaw added: “Meeting our clients face-to-face makes it so much easier for them to open up and share their struggles and this allows us to better gauge what their needs are.

“We walk alongside the people we support and our friendly, non-judgmental approach means we can address a person’s wider needs beyond debt.

“We know that many people who really need debt help often find it difficult to talk about their money worries and reach out for advice. So as it’s Talk Money Week, we’re raising awareness of our services and encouraging people to get talking about money matters.”

If you’re struggling with debt and want to speak to someone for expert, confidential help, you can call CAP’s helpline on 0800 328 0006.

Visit its website capuk.org/help to see what free services are available in your area or email guildford@capuk.org

For wider support you can visit moneyhelper.org.uk