Money problems are “nothing to be ashamed of”, a leading finance charity has said as it launches a new campaign to support people with the cost-of-living crisis.
Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice Bureau is today launching its Our Advice Ads up campaign in a bid to highlight the level of support it can offer locals who are distressed about their bills.
The drive shows how experts at the organisation can help Buddies access additional grants and speak with creditors and energy suppliers to create manageable repayment plans.
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It comes days after Citizens Advice Scotland published shocking new evidence showing that half a million people in Scotland have no money left after they have paid essential costs like tax, rent/mortgage, energy bills and food.
Martin Fotheringham CEO of Renfrewshire Citizens Advice said: “The extent of the financial crisis is really shocking.
“We have experienced advisers here saying they’ve never seen it quite this bad – and it looks set to get even worse as the energy bill hike comes in October.
“So many people are coming to us who just have no money at all.
“Their income is completely wiped out by the basic payments we all have to make, so there’s nothing left for things like clothes or a night out or school trips or anything else.
“That’s why we’re launching this campaign. To remind people in Renfrewshire that we are here, and that we can help.
“We might be able to find some benefit or grant you’re entitled to that you don’t know about or we can negotiate with your creditors or your energy company to get you a better deal.”
One in five people who came to a Scottish CAB last year saw some sort of financial gain, and the average value of that gain is over £4,400 so Martin’s team is keen to see if they can secure similar savings for Renfrewshire families struggling to make ends meet.
He added: “If you’re worried about money just now, you’re not alone and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Help is here if you need it, so don’t suffer in silence. Let us help you.
“Our advice is free, confidential and completely impartial. Whatever your situation is, whether its debt or bills or anything else, our friendly expert advisers are waiting for you to come in and talk to them.
“We don’t judge, we just help.”
People can make an appointment with an advisor at the CAB office at 7 Glasgow Road, contact them by phone on 0141 889 2121 or email ren-bureau@paisleycab.casonline.org.uk
People can also book an appointment online at renfrewshirecab.youcanbook.me/
Financial advice is also available on the CAB website www.renfrewshirecab.org.uk and a special self-help tool can be found at www.moneymap.scot
Citizens Advice Scotland’s chief executive Derek Mitchell added: “I’m pleased to be working with Renfrewshire CAB on this campaign and I will be in contact with Martin Fotheringham throughout.
“People in Renfrewshire and across the country are facing a potentially devastating financial cliff edge this autumn, as energy bills continue to rise and inflation shows no signs of slowing down.
“CAB advisers deliver real results. One in five people who came to a Scottish CAB last year saw some sort of financial gain, and the average value of that gain is over £4,400. So, it’s very clear: Our Advice Adds Up.”
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