Advice service for Forth Valley families dealing with cost of living

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Scotland and a group of churches in Forth Valley are offering free, person-centred debt advice and emergency aid open to anyone.

The call from CAP comes after a YouGov poll showed that across Scotland are feeling the impact of rising costs as more than half have lost sleep worrying about finances.

Millions are going without essentials as 46 per cent, around two million, reported going without heating and 31 per cent have skipped meals during the cost of living crisis.

The vast majority expect poverty to soar in the UK over the next year.

Fiona Welsh, CAP's Forth Valley Debt Centre manager, said: "We partner with Christians Against Poverty so we can offer free debt help and practical support for local people so they can have an opportunity to break free from poverty.

"CAP's latest YouGov poll shows poverty is impacting lives throughout Scotland and I'm certainly seeing people suffering here in Forth Valley due to rising costs and low incomes.

"Demand for our emergency aid is rocketing as requests for food and energy top ups are at an all time high – it's likely to get worse unless we all play our part.

"That is why Christians Against Poverty is launching a new campaign asking people to join the fight against poverty's grip on our local communities.

"We are calling on Scotland's new first minister to keep tackling poverty front and centre as our national mission.

"We want to see an end to poverty."

In Scotland, 45 per cent of people do not know where to access free debt help, explained Fiona, who is calling for the help of communities.

She added: "Debt can happen to any of us and free, professional debt help is needed now more than ever.

"Join us in raising awareness of CAP's services in Forth Valley so anyone who needs help can find it.

"Find out more on capuk.org/debthelp today or follow us on social media we're on Twitter @CAPscot, Facebook @CAPScotland and Instagram @CAP_scotland."