The Covid-19 pandemic has affected us all, but for many it has meant being plunged into financial difficulty with no warning.

2.5 million people are facing a financial crisis due to the impacts of coronavirus.

The number of people whose income has been affected negatively by coronavirus in severe problem debt has nearly doubled since the beginning of the outbreak to 1.2 million people, according to a recent report by StepChange.

5.6 million people are already struggling to afford essentials, or borrowing to make ends meet. StepChange estimate we have borrowed around £10.3 billion to cover this gap.

With more uncertainty ahead, so many in our communities are finding themselves in very tough financial situations.

But as the church we can offer hope in the form of practical responses to love our neighbours.

That’s why we’ve put together this Money Help Toolkit for Churches: a wide range of responses that your parish or community might consider.

It’s a suite of online resources: video sessions, downloadable resources and links. There are also a wealth of contacts of organisations that exist to help serve churches in this area.

All designed to help the local church think about what it can do to respond to to “debt tsunami” in our communities in the wake of Covid 19.

Click here for the full Money Help Toolkit

WHAT DOES IT COVER?

In this toolkit you’ll find information and guidance on how to take action:

• how to start conversations about money in your church and community
• running budgeting workshops online and offering people help with managing their money
• setting up free debt and money advice
• helping to apply for Universal Credit and navigating the benefit system
• simple ideas to encourage people to save. including setting up saving circles in church & partnering with credit unions
• tackling those who lend money illegally and raising awareness of loan sharks

• offering small emergency funds for people in financial crisis in partnership with Acts 435

• And there’s a bonus theology session: a conversation with the Bishop of Kensington, Right Revd Graham Tomlin, on why it is churches should be thinking about money as part of our discipleship and witness.

WHERE’S THE TOOLKIT COME FROM?

In September and October 2020, Capital Mass ran a series of trainings and events “Covid 19: Responding to the Debt Tsunami”.

Over eight sessions we explored, with the help of expert guests and parishes on the ground, how we as church can help and support those in our midst who are struggling with money in the wake of Covid-19.

Those conversations were recorded, and you can watch them again here a long with a wealth of resources and links mentioned in each session, giving you more information.

There are also contacts of organisations who can help you, and a guide to signposting on for more help.

If your parish is considering responding, we’re here to help support and serve you as you do: if we can help please get in touch!