FREE debt advice and money coaching are on offer by a group of churches in the Forth Valley.

Christian Against Poverty’s (CAP) Forth Valley team based at Stirling Baptist Church is highlighting the advice on offer and explained that  many people on low incomes in the area don’t have enough money to stay out of debt and afford the essentials they need to live.

It comes after CAP published its 'Pushed under, pushed out' report, sounding the alarm about the growing number of households across the UK who are being pulled into debt.

Fiona Walsh, debt centre manager at CAP Forth Valley, said: “This new report shows what we are already seeing on the ground at Christians Against Poverty here in Forth Valley, that many households we visit just don't have enough income to cover their essential costs right now.

“The Pushed under, pushed out report has looked at 10 years worth of data and shows four out of five people with income below the minimum level were in arrears due to household bills.

“The report also found those in low income jobs were often most affected and that employment doesn’t necessarily protect against the impact of low incomes and debt.

“At CAP Forth Valley we find the main reason for debt is living on a low income alongside other aspects that impact people’s finances.

“It could be that they have been made redundant, are going through a relationship breakdown, suffered an injury or long term illness or a loved one has passed away, resulting in less household income.

“These types of often unexpected or unplanned situations can cause both emotional and financial pain.”

The Forth Valley team is encouraging Clacks businesses, organisations and community groups to display its 'Improve your finances' poster to raise awareness of the free online and local help available to those who struggle.

Fiona added: “The stigma around debt and poverty means many people feel ashamed and as a result don’t come forward for help.

“All of us living here in Forth Valley can play our part in changing that by working together to support and encourage our friends, family and people in our community who are struggling financially.

“We can show them love and understanding and point them towards free, friendly and professional help.”

A range of support and guidance is available at capuk.org/help while groups keen to feature the poster can contact Fiona via fionawelsh@capuk.org.

Encouraging groups to feature the poster, Fiona added: “By putting up our poster and encouraging local people in our community to get support you could be the reason they seek free help.

“You can help us change lives and bring freedom from debt and poverty to more local people.

“Together, we can fight against poverty in Forth Valley.”