Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has announced a merger with Community Money Advice (CMA), aiming to create the U.K.’s largest specialist community-based debt advice charity.
In an announcement released ahead of Debt Awareness Week, CAP said that while the identities of both organisations will be maintained, the merger creates a stronger, unified front against the national debt crisis.
The charity said the combined organisation will support a national network of nearly 400 centres based in local churches and community groups.
“As we see poverty deepening across the U.K., we believe this partnership is an important one, ensuring that the Church remains at the very heart of professional, compassionate debt advice,” a CAP spokesperson said.
Stewart McCulloch, Chief Executive Officer of CAP, will serve as CAP Group Chief Executive, leading the combined organisation.
“Together we have a powerful and united front against debt,” said McCulloch.
“We now have over a thousand highly trained debt advisors, mentors and coaches based in communities across the UK, dedicated to bringing hope where there was fear, support where there was isolation, and the warmth of community into cold homes. We are also supported by a similar number of amazing people delivering money coaching, life skills, and job clubs.”
Over the past 30 years, at least a quarter of a million people have benefited from CAP’s work, McCulloch said.
“Our unified vision is clear: that anyone in financial crisis and emotional distress will be able to get the support they need in their community, ensuring no one has to face the devastating impact of debt alone,” he added.
Julian Mander, Chair of CMA, said the merger would strengthen the work of both charities.
“In coming together, we will enhance all of the support models we currently offer to our partner churches and community organisations,” said Mander.
“The shared expertise and resources will ensure our local partners are better equipped than ever to meet the complex needs of their communities.”
The announcement comes as the BBC reports that 13.4 million people, including four million children and 1.69 million pensioners, are living in relative poverty in the U.K.—an increase of half a million in the year to March 2025, according to the latest government figures.
CAP said poverty in the country has “deepened” in recent years, negatively affecting both children and working adults.
The charity added that the incomes of the lowest 20% of earners have flatlined, while essential costs for food, heating, housing, and clothing have risen sharply.
Millions of people are being forced to face “impossible choices,” such as choosing between heating their homes or eating, undermining their financial resilience.
This has pushed many into a downward spiral toward financial crisis.
Both CAP and CMA report a rise in chronic physical and mental health issues among clients struggling with debt.
Consumer specialist Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, praised both the practical and emotional support provided by CAP and expressed support for the merger with CMA.
“Christians Against Poverty has long been a force for good in debt counselling — I get great feedback from people who’ve used it,” said Lewis.
“It tends to spend far longer with its clients than many other similar agencies, enabling it to help with the emotional fallout as well as the financial practicalities.
“I hope the scale and community reach of this combined charity will be a lifeline for many more people struggling with debt.”
Government data shows that about eight million adults are trapped in “crisis levels of debt,” with up to a third actively seeking community-based debt advice.
David Nussbaum, Chair of CAP, highlighted the vision behind the move.
“Coming alongside CMA allows us to ensure continued access to the expert help people need. We can now reach thousands more people trapped in deep financial crises, extreme anxiety, and isolation that leaves them feeling crushed,” said Nussbaum.
“This partnership is a big boost for hope and practical assistance.”
The combined charities will continue in close partnership with local churches, while CMA’s additional support for community organisations will also continue.
The collaborative model aims to equip local partners to provide comprehensive, face-to-face financial assistance across three core areas: financial education, enabling individuals to better manage their money and increase their income; expert debt advice, delivered through regulated partners supported by specialist advice hubs; and targeted charity support, strengthening organizations that are themselves regulated debt advice providers.
