Coffee, cake and the winter ahead at Launceston’s debt centre

A plate of homemade cake, a pot of coffee, and a room full of people who see money worries up close. That was the scene at a debt advice charity near Launceston this week, where the talk turned to the families struggling now and the winter that is coming.

Community Money Advice (CMA) Launceston, a registered charity that is part of the national Community Money Advice network, opened its doors on Tuesday 13 October for a community coffee morning marking Challenge Poverty Week. The aim was simple. Raise awareness, build links with other organisations and local services, and chip away at the stigma that can stop people asking for help with debt.

📷Coffee, cake and conversation at CMA Launceston's office at Sheers Barton Barns, Lawhitton.

What Challenge Poverty Week is

Challenge Poverty Week is an annual campaign that highlights the injustice of poverty and promotes collective action for a fairer society. It is coordinated by the Poverty Alliance in Scotland, and by Church Action on Poverty in England and Wales.

In Launceston, it was marked with a morning of conversation at CMA’s office at Sheers Barton Barns, Lawhitton. Over coffee and cake, guests talked about poverty in the area and the challenges the colder months are likely to bring.

📷Guests and volunteers at CMA Launceston's Challenge Poverty Week coffee morning.

Who came along

Sarah Vinson, Centre Manager for CMA Launceston, and her team of volunteers invited a mix of local contacts. Among those who came were Cornwall Councillor Damon Dennis, Launceston Mayor Cllr Nicola Gilbert, Social Prescriber Katie Haynes, and Paul Chidley, Director of Kernow Financial Planning.

Sarah said: “We see the challenges presented to local families, daily, as we support them whilst they battle debt and poverty. This is a global issue, but we are working with those in crisis at a local level.”

“Work must continue, to ensure local services can best support families in need. This has been a brilliant morning for discussion and building more solid community relationships.”

📷Launceston Mayor Cllr Nicola Gilbert with CMA Launceston volunteers.

Volunteers and decision makers in one room

For the team, part of the value was getting the people who give their time locally in the same room as those who can speak up for them further afield.

Office Administrator Gemma Massey said: “This was a brilliant opportunity to bring together our volunteers, who give their time to our community, and those in a position of power, who can act as a voice on our behalf more regional and national levels. It was great to see some new faces at our offices today.”

📷Guests and volunteers at CMA Launceston's Challenge Poverty Week coffee morning.

Where to find help

More about Community Money Advice Launceston’s work, and links to local support, is on the CMA Launceston website. The team can also be reached on 01566 770407.

📷The Challenge Poverty Week coffee morning at Community Money Advice Launceston.