Do you know the average Briton owes £7,768? Worrying isnt it? Perhaps more worrying is the apparent reluctance among Scots when it comes to accessing good quality free money advice to help cope with debt. We seem reluctant to approach the free money advice sector – Trading Standards, Citizens Advice and Advice UK agencies. All these agencies offer free impartial and confidential money advice – and have the full backing of the Scottish Government. The danger is that Scots access help from the fee charging companies who we see advertising on television and in the press. In most cases these companies will charge for a service that has no fee when accessed through the free advice sector.
Money Advisers can help you look at your financial situation and also at a number of other issues such as benefit entitlement, options to increase income and help you to budget better. They can also help you negotiate with people you may owe money too and explain which debts require your immediate attention. However it is not the Money Advisers job to tell you what to do – the choices and decisions remain yours!
Grampian Housing Association LTD
Money Advice Near You
The Money Advice project for the Buckie area started on 5th November, based at Ardach Medical Centre. In January we started a regular surgery at The Well. We have contacted as many agencies as possible to advertise and spread the word that this service is now available.
REFERRALS
The project does depend very heavily on referrals from the following Agencies :-
Ardach Medical Centre Moray Youth Action
Banffshire Advertiser The Well
Community Advocate Local Councillors
Moray Womens Aid Job Centre Plus
Direct Contact Condition Management
People who need help, usually do not know where to turn to, and they end up talking to some of the agencies mentioned above. They refer clients to me, just as I would refer a client to a doctor or solicitor where appropriate. It can take quite a long time to set up a sustaining referrals system, and we are quite pleased with the response so far. Our grateful thanks to the above.
HOW TO MAKE A REFERRAL
The success of the MONEY ADVICE project for the Buckie Area will depend on receiving referrals from Agencies such as yourselves.
- 07825 379 012 MOBILE – phone, leave message or text
- 01542 831 555 ARDACH RECEPTION – ask for appointment to be entered in my diary
- I WILL get back to you.
