Derry charity urging people to avoid getting into debt this Christmas

A Derry charity is urging people not to spend too much this Christmas.

Debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty is warning shoppers against taking out credit to cover the cost of Christmas.

Hundreds of the 1,000-plus clients surveyed by the charity said the Christmas spend had been part of the reason for their problem debt.

In Northern Ireland, more than four in ten said the festivities had been a contributory factor in their debt crisis.

Foyle CAP Debt Centre Manager, Linda Leonard, said: “We know that persistently low income is actually the main driver of debt in the UK but these figures highlight that when your finances are fragile, overspending at Christmas can tip people into problem debt. Once you’re in that situation, we can tell you, it goes from bad to worse very quickly.

“We want families to stop getting swept along by the Christmas adverts and think about what is really important. We all want to provide for our children but what they need most is our time - not massive presents and stressed.

“There are plenty of ways to have a great Christmas without overspending, you just have to get smart about it; chat to your family and say things are a bit tight and they’ll be glad you’ve been honest.”

CAP provides a free debt counselling service through 306 church-based centres across Britain.

Locally, they are helping people through Cornerstone City Church in Duke Street.

Each centre is in partnership with the national head office whose staff negotiate with creditors on each client’s behalf and draw up a plan to help people escape the debt trap.

The help is free and available to everyone regardless of age, gender, faith or background.

Anyone wanting debt help can call 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.orgto find out about not just debt counselling but also money management courses and more.