Often, it’s not just waistlines that suffer after the festive season. For many West Auckland families, overspending during the holidays can trigger a serious financial hangover in the new year. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is helping people regain control, offering free, practical support to those overwhelmed by money chaos and unmanageable debt. With the cost of living continuing to rise, demand for CAP’s services is growing fast.
‘The need in our communities is ballooning,’ says Mandy Dhiman from CAP. She explains that CAP operates five Debt Help Centres across West Auckland, all of which are either at capacity or close to it. CAP’s free debt help service supports people through every step of their journey out of debt. Fully trained advisors who are also qualified financial mentors ease the pressure by negotiating with creditors and developing personalised, sustainable budgets for clients. Essentials such as rent, power, and food are prioritised, and clients are encouraged to build savings, no matter how small, establishing positive habits.
When needed, CAP can also provide emergency practical support, including one-off help with food and petrol. Clients repay their debts through a dedicated CAP Account, with ongoing support provided until they become debt-free – typically between two and four years. Alongside this, advisors coach individuals and families in practical financial literacy skills. ‘We support clients in building good money habits they can pass on to their children,’ says Mandy. ‘That empowerment then breaks the intergenerational cycle of poverty and creates lasting change for whānau.’ Regular client surveys highlight the significant impact of the service. As a result of CAP’s support, 82 per cent of respondents reported improved mental health.
One client shared: ‘I’m so much happier and more confident. My shoulders feel lighter now, and I can smile a little more.’ Another said: ‘We’re able to invite people over without feeling embarrassed and attend church events without having to ask for loans.’ CAP’s debt help service is available free of charge to anyone in the community.
You do not need to be a Christian or belong to a church to access support. Those struggling with debt can call the freephone helpline on 0508 227 111.
Thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Your West Support Fund, CAP can now help even more West Aucklanders. The money has contributed towards the salaries of the much-needed debt help advisors. Mandy says the funding ensures more local whānau gain practical money-management skills, reducing stress and improving wellbeing.
