Faithworks CMA is one of the largest providers of face-to-face debt advice in BCP & East Dorset.
2024 saw Faithworks celebrate it’s 20th anniversary as well as Faithworks CMA turning 10 years old.
Over the last decade the debt advice landscape has changed significantly. We now deal with more regulatory requirements, as well as changing client pressures.
More of our clients are struggling to keep up with the increasing costs of rent, council tax, utilities and food. We are seeing less credit card debt and more priority debt, such as Council Tax arrears, which carry significant consequences if not addressed.
Fortunately, we have a brilliant team of staff and volunteers who have been able to help so many address their debts. Our teams are based at every Faithworks supported Foodbank across Dorset, as well as within Bournemouth Foodbank.
Solutions range from setting up affordable repayment plans to accessing insolvency solutions, which can provide a fresh start. Whatever debt solution a client chooses, our teams are alongside every step of the way, for as long as it takes.
Our Financial Wellbeing Project has provided money management sessions to over 1,000 young people in junior and senior schools, Bournemouth & Poole College and Bournemouth University this year.
From debt advice to budgeting skills, from young to old, we are passionate to equip people with the practical tools to make healthy money choices, and with confidence to find “freedom from debt and hope for the future”.
Nick, Becky & Karen
Faithworks CMA Team
£3 Million+
Total amount of debt managed
230
Clients supported
£330K
Reduction in debt due to the CMA team’s support of those impacted by the cost of living
65
Clients with debt solutions in place
2K+
Volunteer hours given
25
Volunteers supporting Faithworks CMA
Beth’s Story
*Beth had been working in a school however then lost her job through ill health. She also experienced a breakdown due to the stress of supporting her child with autism.
A Family Support Worker provided general help and during this time asked whether there was anything else Beth needed support with. She advised she needed face-to-face Debt Advice as she had tried remote support however this had been unsuccessful.
Beth was referred to Faithworks CMA where she says she found the team were non-judgemental and from the start felt a weight slowly coming off her shoulders.
Last winter Beth couldn’t afford to adequately heat her home, which meant her children felt extremely cold. A year on and Beth has sufficient heating, hot water and money saved ready for the next heating bill. She is also sleeping better, does not feel as stressed and feels in control of her finances thanks to the CMA team’s support with addressing the debt.
“You have transformed my whole life… I’m sleeping better, I don’t feel as stressed, I feel in control of at least one thing in my life. I cannot thank you enough.” – Beth*
*Name changed to protect identity
Faithworks CMA Hubs of Support
Faithworks CMA (Community Money Advice) operate two services:
- Debt Advice – a service for those who are struggling to pay their debts
- Budgeting Support –help to manage finances with the aim of not going into debt
We operate under the framework of CMA, a national charity. We are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Thank You & Looking Forwards
We are one of the largest providers of face-to-face debt advice in BCP and East Dorset. For many people, online or remote support simply does not work. We are committed to face-to-face support, meeting regularly with clients for as long as their journey out of financial insecurity takes.
We are extremely grateful for our dedicated volunteers and staff who provide a springboard for financial freedom. Our volunteers each give up several hours a week to meet with clients. They undergo regular training to stay up to date with the latest developments. We cannot thank them enough for the difference they make.
We urgently need to increase the number of regular donors to help us continue our service. Our essential debt advice and budget support work is dependent on grants and individual giving. Setting up a standing order only takes a few minutes but has a life-changing impact on those we support.
Regular donations help us to plan for long-term growth
Regular giving can be set up using our bank details – please ensure you list Faithworks CMA as your chosen project.
Bank: CAF bank
Sort Code: 40-52-40
Account number: 00015300
Alternatively follow the link below.
Gift Aid: if you are a tax payer, you can increase your donation by 25% at no extra cost to yourself.
At Faithworks we commit ourselves to take as much time as needed to help an individual get to a place of resilience – it may take over a year to help someone get free from the huge burden of debt.
We won’t stand still – we try new things and look for better ways to do what we do: we have opened a new venue for our Homelessness work; and started new training courses.
We will stay true to our values of being Welcoming, Alongside, Trusted, Practical and Empowering. And we’ll keep trusting God every step of the way.
We need your support. We are looking for individual donors to commit to giving £20 per month for 20 months to help write the next chapter of the Faithworks story. Will you join us by setting up a standing order?
