Thousands helped out of debt through advice
GLASGOW’S Citizens Advice Bureau ( CAB) assisted more than 2300 people in crippling debt across the city between April and December last year.
The eight local charities have helped Glaswegians manage or write off more than £ 1 million in debt during the pandemic while assisting an increasing number of people with enquiries about debt, employment and emergency situations.
Covid- 19 has meant the organisations are regularly preventing crises by supporting people with no income, food or heating and electricity in their homes. Glasgow North West CAB ( GNWCAB) supported 30- year- old Elizabeth from Maryhill to resolve more than £ 6500 in debt during the lockdown period.
She said: “After a difficult separation I found myself living in homeless accommodation and wasn’t working for the first time in my life. I was desperate and was panicking.
“Every day I was getting passive aggressive calls and letters asking for money that I owed. When you have debt, you feel trapped and like you can’t move. It may not sound like a lot of money to some people, but it was to me and it was constantly in my mind. A friend suggested I contact GNWCAB for support.
“Audrey, the debt specialist at GNWCAB, helped me file for bankruptcy and my entire £ 6500 of debt was written off. My mental wellbeing greatly improved and I was able to apply for work again.
“Since June, I have a new job working with the NHS helping develop systems and training their staff. The help I received from GNWCAB meant I could start to build my life back up again.”
Every year the Glasgow CAB network supports thousands of vulnerable people living below the Scottish poverty line and has provided an essential service for those struggling with issues caused by the pandemic.
Rob Gallagher, CEO of GNWCAB, said: “Every year the Glasgow CABs return more than £ 12m to the local community through client financial gains. Debt is an area where we often see vulnerable people getting into serious situations like homelessness and unemployment because it needs specialist support to resolve.
“The Glasgow CABs are here as an essential charity service, providing confidential support and advice to anyone who needs it during the Covid- 19 pandemic. We would urge anyone in need of advice at the moment to contact us.”
To be directed to your local CAB, you can call the Scottish National Helpline on 0800 028 1456.