St Margaret's Church Prestwich

Rev Gordon Joyce and Gordon Clark visited our churches on Sunday November 26^th. Gordon writes

l’m writing to all church leaders in the area. I’d be really grateful if you’d consider supporting the Bury Project in some way this Christmas. Back in February 2019 the Churches Together in Bury worked to create the Project. lt was envisaged that local churches would support its work financially. Times are tough for churches and finances are being challenged. Having been a vicar for a long time, I understand that when times are difficult we can sometimes cut back on charities and mission. We have had some success gaining grants from various bodies, but we still need the help of our churches.

Since the Project began Gordon Clark, our debt counsellor has seen about 25 clients a year, some 100 altogether. About 25 have become debt-free, another 25 are on the way, and about 50% have drawn back from engagement. We’re above the national average in terms of success. Gordon does a great job and is worth his weight in gold. The way in which God uses him is the reason l’m involved as a trustee and, recently, as chairperson.

Here are two quotes from clients, followed by one from a Council worker involved in one of the cases:

‘l would like to say a massive thank you to all at CAP (Christians Against Poverty – the Bury Project is a local branch of it) for all the support and help given to me over the last 12 months. I became debt-free on 4th January 2022 and feel a huge weight off my shoulders. I would like to say a special thank you to Gordon Clark who has been absolutely amazing and an absolute credit to your team… nothing was ever too much trouble… he was always there. Thank you. I feel like I can start to live again.’

A comment from another client, last month: ‘Gordon is there to help me. I feel safe and there are no threats. They look after you as a person and deal with every side of it. They are amazing and I would really recommend them above all other services.’

Accompanying comment from a Social Prescribing Link Worker for BuryVCFA

‘From what X has told me, she has worked with a few different debt support organisations and yours is the only one she has got this far with, so it is a credit to how well you work and you have supported her. I definitely keep you in mind when working with clients, and l’ll be using her as a case study to show how successful it can be working with you. Best wishes, {name withheld}.’

Please support us in any way you can.

Yours sincerely

Rev Gordon Joyce