Charity in bid to help families in debt crisis

Lochaber and Argyll churchgoers are being encouraged to volunteer as debt advisers as more families face financial crisis.

The call comes from Community Money Advice Scotland (CMAS), a Christian charity supporting affiliated churches and charities to run their own advice centres tackling money problems.

Local volunteers are trained to provide free face-to-face advice for anyone struggling with rising rents, unpaid bills or benefit sanctions.

CMAS manager Stephen Curran said one in seven adults living in the Highlands are ‘over-indebted’.

‘That’s 27,071 adults across Highland Council area at least three months behind with important bills or feel their debts are a heavy burden.

‘We are encouraging local churches to reach out in support of those affected in the Highlands,’ said Mr Curran.

Church leaders and interested volunteers are invited to hear more about growing debt and discuss next steps at a ‘Debt in the Highlands’ event on Monday from 11am at Fort William’s Duncansburgh MacIntosh Church in The Parade.

Mr Curran added: ‘Lochaber Foodbank manager Alex McConnachie will be speaking to us on debt and other pressures now forcing increasing numbers into food poverty across the west Highlands.

‘We also have backing from the Cinnamon Network making it as easy as possible for local churches and faith charities to transform communities.

It supports 30 best-practice recognised projects - such as CMAS centres and Trussell Foodbanks such as Lochaber – helping churches respond to pressing local needs along with funding, advice, support and leadership training.

‘This is an excellent opportunity for even a small number of trained church volunteers to develop skills to provide a crucial local service.

‘Our centres complement the work of local authorities and the voluntary sector which face growing need but often reduced funding. We value the excellent advice already on offer locally through Citizens Advice Bureaux and others.

‘Any effort we encourage through churches in Lochaber and Argyll will complement not compete with existing services.

‘The need for additional support is clear.

‘If one in seven adults are at least three months behind with their bills that is already leading to stress and anxiety in far too many homes across the Highlands.’