‘Povertysecret’ canbeakiller

The isolation and loneliness of living with a‘poverty secret’can be a killer that’s the warning from a free Perthshire debt counselling service.

The warning comes from Angela Hanvey, who manages the Highland Perthshire Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt centre in Aberfeldy, after the charity published new research about effects of debt in the UK.

Angela said:“It’s a 21st century parable really. There are many people in this area, living in isolation with a poverty secret. The sad truth is they may live in the same street or town as us, but they’re suffering from extreme loneliness because of their debts.

“It means that they can’t provide for their children, don’t have enough food to eat or can’t heat their home.

“Tragically, it even makes some of them consider taking their own lives.”

She added that CAP’s client report, published last month, found that almost a third of its clients considered taking their own life because of debt. The report also found almost four in ten were afraid to leave their homes, three quarters were afraid to answer the telephone and 80 per cent were scared to open their post.

Angela said:“People are created for community, they’re social beings, and the long-term damage of living with loneliness can be as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”

She said the common reasons for debt include low income, relationship breakdown, joblessness, problems with benefits, illness and bereavement.

The Highland Perthshire CAP debt centre visits every client in their own home, working with each until they become debt free, while CAP’s head office specialists negotiate with creditors, create a budget and provide ongoing technical support.

To find out more, visit capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006.