Relief ahead of debt concerns

East Renfrewshire Council’s money advice and rights team have launched a financial crisis pack to help residents cope with any fiancial emergencies they may encounter.

And Christmas brings with it a lot of headache and worry throughout the region as families struggle to cope.

Information contained in the pack includes advice on what folk should do if sudden expenses crop up and provides details of local sources of help.

Information includes helpful details of crisis grants and commuhnity care grants that are available to support people depending on the particular difficulties they have to suffer.

Information will also be available on how credit unions can help you stay in control of your finances, how you may be able to access short-term benefits, hardship payments, a budgeting loan and details of local organisations that can provide food and other assistance to apply for and maintain benefits.

These pack are available from Customer First at Barrhead Main Street offices and Giffnock HQ offices in Eastwood Park.

The money advice and rights team will also be handing them out at community events.

Councillor Ian McAlpine, convener for corporate services, said: “If you are giong through tough times financially, please do not feel you are alone.

“It’s important anyone faced with a financial crisis does not turn to high-cost forms of credit such as payday loans or loan sharks.

“Remember our money advice and rights team is there to support you.

“The team has put together a financial crisis pack which contains information on what you can do to prevent or get through a sudden expense.

For a copy please call 0800 052 1023 or get one from Customer First at either Barrhead Main Street or Giffnock HQ in Eastwood Park.”