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Tue, 26 May 2026

Tue, 26 May 2026 'An £8,000 debt pushed me to breaking point'

A Bradford man who has struggled with debt urges others to reach out for help.
A 58-year-old man from Bradford, who wishes to remain anonymous, accumulated £8,000 in debt due to a combination of factors including bereavement, redundancy, ill health and isolation. After complications during surgery left him unable to work, he experienced significant financial pressure, having to rely on benefits while struggling with mounting bills. He said: "I ended up losing a lot of money each month going onto benefits... Bills were just growing. I didn't know which way to turn." The psychological impact was devastating, and he attempted suicide three times before seeking help from Christians Against Poverty (CAP). CAP's latest report suggests that the average debt burden among people seeking help is now around £12,000, with repayments expected to take almost nine years on average. The charity's author, Claire Cowles, warned of the increasing tie between basic survival needs and debt, citing examples such as borrowing for food, fuel and school uniforms. Cowles also highlighted the severe mental health consequences linked to debt, stating that 46% of people helped by CAP had considered or attempted taking their own lives. Jonathan Lees, a debt adviser with the charity, said frontline workers were increasingly encountering people in acute distress due to issues such as council tax debt, utilities debt and rent arrears. Lees also noted the difficulty of dealing with rising costs and shrinking budgets, adding that even debt advisers can feel powerless in the face of these challenges. Campaigners are now calling for stronger safety nets, faster access to financial support and greater recognition of debt as both an economic and mental health issue.