A NEW advice service has been launched in the Three Towns this week with the aim of making it easier for residents to access support with their personal finances.

The new ‘Better Off’ service is initially being piloted for a two-year period and started on Monday.

The service explores a different way of providing financial support in North Ayrshire by bridging the gap in debt advice services currently offered and expanding on the traditional ‘single service’ approach by bringing together a range of partners from across the council, health and social care partnership and the third sector.

It will provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for Three Towns residents seeking support and advice on benefits, money/debt, housing, energy costs and work skills as well as health and wellbeing.

Better Off is being delivered through a Public Social Partnership - bringing public and third sector bodies together to jointly develop and deliver services that are responsive to the needs of local people.

Caitriona McAuley, head of economic development and regeneration, said: “We are delighted to be launching this new ‘Better Off’ service alongside our partners in the Health and Social Care Partnership and Third Sector.

“By bringing a number of agencies together, it allows us to offer a much more comprehensive, agile and responsive service for local people who need support with their personal finances.

“Widening the financial support available to our residents has never been more important. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of our communities. By introducing this service now, we are saying that we are here to support them through this time of financial hardship.

“Better Off is a completely different approach to what is currently being offered. It aims to provide immediate support with finances while also understanding and supporting people to address the other issues often holding them back - such as a difficult family situation, addiction, literacy - and build a tailored package of support that allows the individual to achieve more sustainable outcomes.”

You can access these services by calling 01294 475629 or emailing betteroffna@chap.org.uk.

However, as restrictions ease Better Off services will be available through face-to-face appointments.