Film is used to highlight debt issues
Advice and stories are shared
To raise awareness of poverty and debt, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Highland Perthshire recently organised a film screening as part of its biggest venture yet.
During Challenge Poverty Week – which ran from October 15-21 – the debt counselling charity hired the Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy to show the hard-hitting and powerful film ‘I, Daniel Blake.’
Over 70 people came along to this special screening and afterwards there was a short time for discussion with a panel of people who are working daily with families and individuals who are caught up in some of the difficult issues raised in the film.
CAP has been operating in Highland Perthshire since January 2014. Since then it has helped more than 50 people who have approached the organisation.
The number of people who are finding themselves in debt is increasing and, due to many factors, including the roll out of Universal Credit, CAP fears that many more people are going to find times difficult.
At the Birks event on October 18, guests from Welfare Rights, Citizens Advice, local councillors and staff from other agencies were on hand to answer some of the questions raised and give some helpful information.
The biggest concern seemed to be how the systems/organisations will cope with the expected increase in numbers as Universal Credit is being rolled out across Perth and Kinross.
“It was good to have a wide spread of representatives from various agencies, councillors, community workers as well as CAP supporters and clients,” said the charity’s Pamela Thomson.
“It was a very moving event and sadly the film and the issues that came up just raised more question.
“And there was overwhelming concern for how the welfare system is operating at the moment and how those affected will cope.”
The CAP team was really encouraged by how the community of Aberfeldy rallied together for this special screening.
“The Birks Cinema was a tremendous support as were local businesses in the town who put up posters about CAP’s debt help services and others who provided food after the event so that folks could mingle and discuss the issues further,” explained Pamela.
CAP offers free, face-to- face, person centred debt counselling services and financial education courses. One of those from the Highland Perthshire area who
The Birks in Aberfeldy took part in Challenge Poverty Week attended the screening was Paula, who has been helped by CAP.
She found herself in debt after a time out of work and her unemployment support worker told her about CAP.
Paula said that as soon as CAP got involved and started dealing with her creditors and all the paperwork, she immediately felt that they took the strain away.
In her situation, bankruptcy was deemed to be the best option and, although Paula found this a distressing process, her befriender Katie helped her every step of the way giving practical and emotional support. Paula says that she would not have got through it without Katie.
Now debt-free, Paula is working and manages her finances really well.
Anyone with debt problems can call the Debt Helpline on 0800 328 0006.