North and West Sutherland CAB launches new campaign urging local people with money worries to get in touch
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North and West Sutherland Citizens Advice Bureau launched a new campaign on Monday aimed at helping local people who are struggling with debts.
The charity reports that a combination of furlough ending, cuts to universal credit, high energy bills and overall increased costs of living has created a perfect storm for many local households, who have found it impossible to make ends meet without taking out loans.
Others have found they are unable to repay existing debts.
As a result, the CAB is launching the local arm of the national Citizens Advice campaign, Debt Happens. You’re Not Alone. The month-long campaign aims to persuade people to seek expert debt advice from the CAB.
A spokeswoman for the bureau said: “Our campaign is all about reaching out to people who feel they can’t manage, telling them that they’re not alone, and that support is available. All they have to do is contact us.
“Debt is a horrible situation to be in. It can hit your mental health and relationships as well as your finances. We understand that it can be hard to seek help, and we recognise there can be shame and stigma attached, but debt is nothing to be ashamed of. It happens. We just want to help. It’s what we do every day.
“So, if you contact us, you get our expert advice, which is sympathetic, confidential, independent and effective. We can talk to your creditors to give you more time, reduce repayments or even seek to write off some of your debt. We’ll also look at ways to boost your income, make savings and cut the costs of daily living.
“Our advice is completely free and our message to people is you should never have to pay to receive debt advice. Charities like ours are here to help with debt or money worries and will never charge you for that help.”
The North and West Sutherland CAB is based at the harbour in Kinlochbervie. The bureau offers home visits in its area and holds regular outreach clinics in Lochinver and Bettyhill.
For further information or advice, ring 01971 521730 or email NWS-Bureau@NWSCAB.casonline.org.uk
You can also get advice online at cas.org.uk/debt-happens
