Stopped Making Cents?

KA-change!

atest press release from Deputy Jennifer Whitmore, issued on Monday, Sept 26th 2022…

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore visited staff at the MABS office in Bray this week to discuss the different services and supports on offer for people struggling with debt or rising bills.

Deputy Whitmore says, “I was delighted to meet the incredibly hardworking and knowledgeable staff at the MABS office in Bray this week. The service is a very trust-worthy and increasingly important one for people in Wicklow in the context of the rising cost of energy and the cost-of-living crisis. It has been providing impartial advice to people for the past 30 years and is an invaluable service for people feeling they are currently or going to struggle with mounting energy bills and debt.

“As more and more people begin to struggle with rising energy costs and the cost of living, I am encouraging people in Wicklow to contact either the Bray or Arklow MABs office. There are people who can weather this storm, but for many others an extra bill, rising cost of food or increased mortgage interest rates, are enough for some people to spiral into problematic debt.

MABS is free and non-judgemental and from meeting with them it’s clear they offer a sympathetic ear to anyone who crosses their door.

“I felt it was important to meet the people who are at the frontline helping people manage their financial situation so that people can get a handle on their debt and move on with their lives. MABS have a great team of staff who are at the ready to help people in Wicklow, and is a service people won’t have to be on a waiting list for. It’s available on demand.

“Some of the services include budget advice, mortgage arrears advice, Debt Relief Notice to write off debt for those on low incomes with little to no assets, insolvency services, court mentoring and money management courses.

With MABS’ Deirdre Rice & Michelle O’Hara

“The staff were keen to stress that they want people to come see them either in person or over the phone, as soon as they start feeling overwhelmed with their bills so they can provide as many options as possible.

“I would urge anyone who is feeling stressed about their financial situation or worried about upcoming winter bills, to arrange a meeting with MABS in either the Bray or Arklow office or to ring the free helpline on 0818072000.”