Stirling MP Alyn Smith and MSP Evelyn Tweed have been working with the community to reduce the impact of the ‘January Blues’ on residents.
At this time of year, we see an increase in poor mental health, financial stress and low energy as the excitement of the festive period wears off and winter weather and Christmas debt start to impact mental and financial well-being.
The Money Charity reported in December that UK Credit Card Debt averaged £2,417 per household and £1,276 per adult, by the end of October 2023.
The Office of National Statistics reported that the UK economy shrank by -0.3 per cent in October, increasing fears of an economic recession.
The cost of living crisis continues to squeeze households and businesses across Stirling and the Forth Valley area.
Alyn Smith urged anyone with money worries or who may be feeling low to reach out to dedicated helplines and experts who are there to help.
He said: “Stirling and Scotland are lucky to have a range of advice services who can provide expert guidance and assistance.
“As your Member of Parliament for Westminster, I work extremely closely with your locally elected Councillors and Members of the Scottish Parliament on your behalf.
“If there is anything we can do to assist you in these tough times, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
“Stirling has an immense community spirit. Let’s look out for each other this winter, especially during this ongoing cost of living crisis.”
Evelyn Tweed is also encouraging Stirling residents to access cost of living support, including checking that they are receiving all benefits they are entitled to, after a roundtable event last month with 16 local organisations.
Representatives from organisations including Citizen’s Advice, Start-up Stirling, Stirling Voluntary Enterprise and St Mark’s Raploch came together with Tweed to discuss how support can be maximised for people who are struggling to pay bills and get through the winter.
The meeting identified the financial challenges facing people across Stirling and looked at what lessons can be learnt from last winter.
Social Security Scotland identified that barriers to support and benefits are a particular challenge.
Local organisations agreed that further collaboration will help increase awareness of the support that is available, and ensure people access all the welfare, financial and employment support that is available to them.
Tweed said: “The crisis is still putting immense pressure on households, but by fostering joined-up working through meetings like this one, we can ensure nobody falls through the gaps in this crisis.
“We have so many organisations in Stirling doing excellent work to support people and it was great to hear first-hand about their work and the challenges they face.
“There are currently a number of benefits that could make a big difference to many lives that remain undersubscribed, with people missing out on benefits such as child benefits, pension credit and free bus travel for under-22s.
“As many people across Stirling return to their jobs following the festive break, it’s important to remember that those in part-time and full-time work also qualify for Scottish Government benefits.
“In Scotland, around one in three people getting Universal Credit are in work, and Universal Credit is a benefit that qualifies you for several other payments.
“Scottish Child Payment is one of Scotland’s five family payments that many working families on lower incomes are eligible for, while young people are entitled to free bus travel as well as the Job Start Payment.
“I am hopeful that by working together, local organisations will be able to support the people of Stirling this winter to get access to every bit of support available.”
Tracy Duff, from Stirling Voluntary Enterprise, said: “SVE were delighted to be invited to participate in the roundtable event.
“It was interesting to hear from such a diverse group of attendees, listening to success stories and discussing potential upcoming challenges and how these could be addressed.
“The enthusiasm from attendees to come together and plan a coordinated and effective approach to winter support is very encouraging and will ensure that everyone is aware of resources available to them in the community.
“SVE would be more than happy to be involved and support community groups moving forward.”
Barry Hughes, from St Mark’s Church, Raploch, said: “We appreciated the opportunity to sit down with Evelyn to discuss the ongoing challenges of the cost of living crisis.
“Working with, and sharing knowledge with, other groups as we did last month with Evelyn is vital for us to carry on offering the services we do.”
Featured Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
