MSPs learn more about debt and mental health
Two MSPs have visited a local debt centre to learn more about the effects debt has on the mental health of their constituents.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt centre in Wishaw aims to reduce UK poverty by delivering debt counselling, money management, job clubs, life skills groups and support for people breaking life-controlling habits.
Clare Adamson and Neil Gray visited the Wishaw centre as part of Challenge Poverty Week. During this event, CAP is trying to raise awareness about the impact that poverty and problem debt can have on mental health.
Over a quarter (28 per cent) of CAP clients have attempted or considered suicide as a way of out of debt, and with 45 per cent of people in Scotland not knowing where to turn to get free debt help, this is a growing concern.
Wishaw Debt Centre manager Nicky McLaughin said: “Over the last 18 months we’ve all experienced what it’s like to be isolated from our friends and family, to feel trapped and lonely, but for many of my clients this was their everyday life before getting debt help.
“Shame and stigma are keeping people trapped in problem debt – it is the unspoken problem impacting too many households in Wishaw.
“If you are struggling with problem debt please don’t let shame or embarrassment keep you there. Free debt help is available from Christians Against Poverty Scotland, StepChange and Citizens Advice Scotland.”
Neil Gray, representative for Airdrie and Shotts and convener for the Social Justice and Social Security committee, said: “I really appreciated the opportunity to visit the local Christians Against Poverty team and hear more about their fantastic work.
“They have supported so many of my constituents with debt issues and the support they have provided has saved so many people from incredibly challenging situations.
“By sharing t heir issues with organisations like Christians Against Poverty people can get the help they need to escape that spiral of debt, poverty and mental health problems.”
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson added: “So many people have been up against it these last 18 months. There has been a greater focus on mental health with people experiencing isolation, uncertainty and anxiety over the immensely challenging times we have faced.
“Debt and mental health are unquestionably linked. Building debt leads to mounting anxiety and people in that position have to face twin stigmas in getting necessary help. There still exists a stigma around both accruing debt and mental health issues.
“It was a privilege visiting the team at Christians Against Poverty. Their dedicated staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to erode that stigma and providing lifeline support for people facing poverty.”