Newton Mearns church lends a financial hand

Newton Mearns Baptist church is one of hundreds across the UK tackling the issue of Christmas card credit bills and the heating vs eating debate by putting on free community events.

Trish Collins, community worker at the Newton Mearns church, explained: “As a local congregation, we wanted to do something to serve our community during the financial crisis.

“There are so many of us simply guessing at our finances. We’re hoping for the best, while continuing to spend without really knowing what we have available.

“This is why we’re putting on the sessions, during which we’ll help people to get to grips with what money they have coming in to their accounts, and what’s going out.

“Participants are encouraged to look at their income and identify where they can cut back so they can start to save for big expenses, live within their means, and feel more in control of their money.”

Organisers stress that no one will have to disclose private information about their finances — the aim is to enable those who come along to see their own situation more clearly, and have a financial dustdown in their own time.

The course starts at Fairweather Hall on Monday, February 3, at 7.45pm — for more information, call the church office on 616 2362 or visit www.newtonmearnsbaptist.org.uk.