Generous members of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and their friends raised £2500 for the Christian’s Against Poverty’s (CAP) Ayr and Irvine centres, which offers free debt advice to local people.
Christians Against Poverty’s (CAP) annual report reveals many Scottish households face a debt crisis.
CAP clients in Scotland on average owed over £10,500, had organisations chasing them for payments on NINE different debts, and almost 40% of their arrears were priority debts, often for essential bills like Council Tax, rent arrears, mortgage and gas and electricity.
Alan McLaren, Community Links Coordinator for Christians Against Poverty, visited Prestwick Airport to meet Ayrshire Chamber Chief Executive, Claire Baird.
Alan said: “We know that when people get trapped under the rubble of personal debt it affects their mental health, with almost half of respondents in our survey admitting that they either attempted or considered suicide as a way out of debt before seeking help.
“We have been delighted with our membership of Ayrshire Chamber as we seek to increase awareness that there is help and free debt advice from Christains Against Poverty in Ayrshire. The Chamber has been incredibly supportive to us and we are grateful to all those local people who helped raise such a large sum for our work.”
Claire Baird, Chief Executive of Ayrshire Chamber said: “Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting the local community. We are proud to donate an amazing £2,500 to support debt charity, Christians Against Poverty.
“We hope the money raised will aid Christians Against Poverty with their vital work for local residents who are struggling during these challenging times, providing free debt advice and life-changing support through CAP’s Ayr and Irvine outreach centres.
“Thank you to our generous 2024 Ayrshire Business Awards dinner guests, who helped make this fantastic donation to Christians Against Poverty possible.”.
If you know anyone struggling with personal debt issues then they can call the CAP freephone number 0800 328 0006.