The charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has outlined just how difficult its clients are finding life with ten per cent skipping meals and the same number sleeping without a bed or mattress.

Its annual report for 2019 has been labelled 'Is Anyone Listening?' as it suggests the situation is only getting worse.

The charity works alongside churches to offer debt advice and unemployment support to communities regardless of faith or background.

Its data for last year found 61 per cent had turned to credit as a means of paying for food shopping.

Persistent low income was the number one reason given for people needing help.

A fifth of clients said their situation had led to relationship breakdown while four in ten said it was negatively impacting their children.

"This year, the debt landscape grew even bleaker," said CAP's chief executive Paula Stringer. "We are seeing more and more families unable to afford their basic living needs and experiencing high levels of destitution."

Last year, CAP supported over 20,000 people through its partnership with churches across the country. They were helped by more than 3,000 volunteers.