MABS marks 20 year history in Mallow town
THERE was a welcome trip down memory lane in Mallow as the MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) celebrated its two decades milestone.
It first opened its doors way back in 1995 with the present co-ordinator Anna Lane who was at that time its sole staff member.
However, fast forward twenty years, and the office and its staff have supported over 7,000 families in the region.
While it has its main office in Mallow, it equally has outreach offices in Mitchelstown, Fermoy, Newmarket and Kanturk who all provide easy access to its service. More importantly, Mabs is free, confidential and independent.
At the milestone, Angela Black, chief executive, Citizens Information Board who fund the Mabs service, thanked its staff and its board for their commitment and dedication.
In particular, she mentioned Seamus Keena, chairman for his tireless efforts over the years.
She said: “Mabs has a long and credible history of negotiating successful voluntary repayment arrangements with a range of creditors on behalf of clients. Most people want to repay their debts and Mabs facilitates this in a realistic, affordable and sustainable way.”
She spoke of the range of important work they do in the area of mortgage debt and highlighted the new court mentor role where support and advice is offered to those involved in repossession court proceedings.
She also spoke of the close working relationship the North Cork Mabs has with the Credit Unions and the importance of the personal micro credit pilot project.
“This project aims to provide an alternative to money lenders and hopefully keep people free from