NORTH Ayrshire's MP was in Irvine and the Three Towns last week, visiting local debt centres.

Patricia Gibson held talks with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to find out more about the work they do and to learn about the situation facing the charity across North Ayrshire as the cost-of-living crisis mounts.

CAP's debt centres, with the main branch being in Irvine's Fullarton Church, offer advice to those across Irvine, Kilwinning and the Three Towns who are struggling to make ends meet.

The main stumbling block along the road to debt management, according to CAP, is how long people take to seek help.

“Many of the people we help wait over three years before seeking our free guidance on how to get their finances under control," Gordon Cheung from CAP told Ms Gibson.

Following her visit, Ms commented: “I was delighted to meet the Christians Against Poverty team who work to support those across our communities with a range of challenges.

"This free, confidential and bespoke charity provides debt advice, financial education, befriending and hope to those struggling through difficult times.

“I am very impressed by the range of work undertaken by CAP and the commitment it has to improving our communities.”

The local CAP branch have only recently appointed a new community links worker in Alan McLaren, who was also present for the visit.

He added: “With the cost of living crisis, things are really tough for a lot of people in our area right now but we know at CAP that a lot of people wait a long time to get help when they fall into debt, often because they feel ashamed or embarrassed.

"We are encouraging anyone struggling in debt to contact us. Our team are working as hard as they can to offer help to people who are in problem debt.

"We are now also offering appointments out of work hours which allows us to see working people in their own homes who may be struggling with debt. This enables people to speak to us without needing to take time off work."

CAP is keen that people do not delay reaching for help as the sooner action is taken the quicker a plan for the future can be put in place.

One phone call to their freephone helpline number 0800 328 0006 can begin a journey which can reduce all the worry that someone in debt has to endure.