Tens of thousands in the UK suffer severe isolation from society due to the anxiety and caused by poverty and financial debt. The archbishop of Canterbury will later today warn of an 'epidemic' debt crisis, launching a new report revealing the reality of poverty in the UK.
The findings come from the Church-based debt-relief organisation Christians Against Poverty (CAP), whose latest, extensive report, released today, highlights the many who are now functionally 'missing' from society, crippled by financial anxiety and frightened to leave their homes.
More than 1000 CAP clients were surveyed on their lives before they were assisted through the charity. Nearly four in ten (37 per cent) said they were afraid to leave their homes, 60 per cent were scared of answering the door, whilst 73 per cent wouldn't answer the phone.
On average, those living beyond the poverty line in the UK will be juggling 11 separate unpaid debts and struggling with a household income of just £15,109 per year. While financial hardship is frequently caused by debt, in other situations it can be the pressures of social care. Nearly a quarter of those in debt are caring for a loved one, 50 per cent live alongside someone with mental ill-health, and 24 per cent are struggling with bereavement. As many as 35 per cent will have considered suicide as a way out.
One CAP client, Colin, described his former desperation and isolation: 'I thought about doing away with my life; I thought about it many times,' he said. 'I was so depressed I didn't want to see anybody. I was incapable of repaying the debts I had built up while I was not working so I turned off the heating, stopped eating and was unable to afford essential things like toiletries.'
CAP patron, archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, will join the launch taking place at the House of Lords tonight, and is expected to speak of the 'epidemic levels' of debt in the country and the 'acute loneliness and isolation' it causes.
CAP's Chief Executive Matt Barlow said: 'Debt isn't just a maths problem, it touches every area of life: relationships, health, housing and children's welfare. Thankfully, hundreds of churches are doing amazing transformative work to help families like this and today is also about celebrating them.
'It's important that we continue to highlight what life is like for most destitute living in the UK and remind all of society that it is our shared problem.'
The trade association UK Finance is supporting the report and its launch event, which will host more than 50 MPs and 200 guests representing the personal finance industry.
Eric Leenders, managing director of personal finance at UK Finance, said: 'This report underlines the crucial role played by Christians Against Poverty in helping people navigate their way through financial hardship. It also shows how more unstable incomes and the rising cost of living have widened the net in terms of people who may be at risk.'
CAP's full client report can be read here.
