Helping people in financial difficulty
Debt Centre
Debbie Bruwer
Debt Centre Manager
Maryanne Uwaezuoke
Job Club & Life Skills Manager
Sara Smith
Debt Coach
In July 2022 the Henley-on-Thames Churches Debt Centre was formed in partnership with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) and three other founding churches: St Mary’s, Christ Church and Trinity.
CAP is a nationally recognised provider of free debt counselling and other services, including the Job club and Life skills courses.
The Debt Centre offers a debt counselling service for people in Henley and the RG9 postcode who are struggling financially.
Living with debt or financial worries can be extremely difficult. As a church community we want to be there to support local people in need, work with them on their route out of debt and provide emotional, and practical support every step of the way.
Earlier this year St Mary’s in Wargrave invited us to help residents in the RG10 postcode and became our latest church partner.
Debbie Bruwer is our Debt Centre Manager and a Debt Coach. Recently Sara Smith joined her as our second Debt Coach. They both recognise that debt could be a few steps away from many of us due to a job loss, bereavement, ill health or relationship breakdown.
Job club
The club helps jobseekers gain the tools, skills and confidence to step back into employment. It combines a practical eight-week course to provide the help needed to find work, with the support of a friendly community to help increase confidence and self-esteem.
We also have links with local employers to provide jobseekers with volunteering and mentoring opportunities, as well as job vacancies.
The next course starts on 10 January 2025 and runs for eight weeks, meeting on Fridays at the d:two Centre.
“I have found out a lot that I never knew about the CV and cover letter – it has really helped my confidence. Thank you for all your time and support in everything you have done.” Job club member
Maryanne Uwaezuoke is our Job Club & Life Skills Manager and runs the courses together with volunteer coaches and supporters.
Please contact her on 07549 132 335 if you know of anyone who would benefit from either of these courses or would like to volunteer.
Life skills
The course covers how to manage finances on a limited income, tips on saving money with home energy, meal planning and shopping, mental wellbeing, and healthy relationships.
Our current course, scheduled over ten weeks, started on Monday 23 September (10am to 12.30pm) at the d:two Centre, and includes a free lunch. The next course runs from 17 March 2025.
“Thanks to the Life skills course I am now more mindful with budgeting, paying bills, and knowing that there is someone to talk to. This has been so helpful. Everyone is amazing and without CAP’s help I don’t know where I would be.” Life skills course member
Anyone needing help with their debt can call free on 0800 328 0006 during working hours to speak to a friendly New Enquiries Team member who can arrange an appointment with a local Debt Coach.
For more information please contact the Debt Centre Manager, Debbie Bruwer, at [email protected] or on 07379 040 116.
