Archbishop of Canterbury records Credit Action appeal

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We are extremely honoured that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams has recorded a fundraising appeal on behalf of Credit Action for Radio 4. Helping people to make better use of their money is a key issue for the Archbishop, who has already voiced concerns in the House of Lords about the impact of the economic downturn on the least well-off.

In his appeal, Dr Williams says debt “has far-reaching consequences, which include stress, ill-health, family breakdown and even suicide. Improving financial literacy and empowering people who are dealing with debt is therefore vitally important. Credit Action does just this by giving people the skills and confidence to take control of their money.”

The appeal was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday August 3 2008 and will be repeated this Thursday August 7 2008 at 3.27pm.

You can listen again on-line at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/religion/radio4appeal.shtml or read the script from the appeal below. 

Do listen in to and let others who might be interested in our work know!

Script from the Credit Action Radio 4 appeal broadcast on Sunday August 3, 2008:

Being able to make ends meet is something that we all worry about at some point. The arrival of a fuel bill or an unexpected expense can cause real difficulties to those who are on fixed incomes, on benefits, or are low paid. This is especially true for the elderly or families with children. The risks of opting for easy credit and being trapped in unaffordable cycles of debt are ever increasing. That's why charities like Credit Action are so important.

The charity has grown since being founded in the early 1990s; and with it has grown the services and support it offers. It still produces its well known advice booklets but now also has a website with budget sheets, debt advice and even a ‘Spendometer' mobile phone tool for users to track outgoings.

Serious debt still carries with it a huge stigma. It remains something a lot of us find difficult to talk about, and yet it touches more and more lives. At its extremes it has far-reaching consequences, which include stress, ill-health, family breakdown, and even suicide. According to the Samaritans over 40% of us get stressed each month because of money. Improving financial literacy and empowering people who are dealing with debt is therefore vitally important. Credit Action does just this by giving people the skills and confidence to take control of their money. One of its users, ‘John', testified to that, saying: "Over the last year I have been working through your guide and today for the first time in eighteen years I am debt free. I can now get on with my life."

Last year, the charity reached over half a million people. With your help today they can reach many more. Your donations can put free material in the hands of thousands more vulnerable people. Through their specialist training, Credit Action can deliver their expertise on debt management on to other individuals or organisations working to help those struggling below the poverty line.

You can give now either online via the Radio 4 website or by calling 0800 404 8144. That's 0800 404 8144. Or you can write a cheque to Credit Action and send it to Freepost BBC Radio 4 Appeal. That's Freepost Radio 4 Appeal. Please mark the back of your envelope Credit Action.

A strong and healthy society, free of debt-traps, poverty and disadvantage is an aspiration we can all share. You can help bring this about by supporting Credit Action. Thank you.