The creation of the Dumfries CAP Debt Centre late last year came just as manager Tracy Vallance was finally declared debt-free – and she approaches her role armed with first-hand experience.
Tracy, 50, said: “It came about when I actually found myself in debt.
“I was in debt after my marriage broke down. I went online and I found Christians Action Poverty, but at the time they weren’t able to help me because they didn’t have a debt centre in Dumfries.
“That was really when I kinda thought, ‘I really want to have a debt centre in this area who are in the same situation as me to help people get out of debt’.”
That was just over ten years ago, and in March last year Pastor Mark Smith from The River of Life Church agreed to help support the realisation of Tracy’s dream.
She said: “The day I paid my last payment towards my debt was the day Mark was meeting with somebody from CAP to discuss us moving forward with the debt centre.
“So the time was absolutely perfect.”
She added: “It took me nearly ten years but I did manage to pay everything off, and it was a huge relief when I became debt free.”
The service launched last November, with Tracy reducing her work as a homeless officer to serve two days a week.
Encouraging anyone with debt issues to get in touch, she said: “There’s no judging, because it can be quite a distressing time for people.
“I know firsthand what it’s like and how horrible it is.”
Anyone wanting debt help can call 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org
HOW THE SERVICE WORKS
TRACY Vallance serves as the first point of contact for anyone in the DG1/DG2 postcodes with debt concerns – meeting them in their home.
Once details are collected, CAP experts prepare a budget and options for the client.
She said: “You’d then explain what they think is the best option to the client.”
If agreed, a CAP plan is set up, with the client paying into that account either weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
CAP head office then pay the creditors directly until the client becomes debt free.
