Money issues to blame for 16% increase in callouts to Bucks charity
An increasing number of residents are facing serious financial difficulties, including debt
A charity offering residents across Buckinghamshire financial advice has been facing a sharp rise in people needing their support since last year.
In the space of 12 months alone, Citizens Advice Bucks has seen a 16% increase in callouts.
Between targeted support and the need for general advice, the most striking of all callouts remains the risk of debt, and debt spirals in particular.
This happens when debt gets out of control and starts to affect every area of a person's life, causing an accumulation of debt and deepening a person's financial struggles.
Interim Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Bucks, Craig Glynn, said: "Debts can accrue, but the longer they're sat there with interest and all the rest of it, and every month the bills compounding, those things get worse."
"We're about 16 percent up on last year, and that's just for Buckinghamshire, in terms of people coming to us for money advice support."
"I'm sure there are many more out there who are in the exact same position and who might be struggling to get through to us because the demand is so high, or they might just be struggling to engage with their debts on a personal level."
While the money situation becomes precarious, a person may experience associated health concerns, including mental health struggles.
This is why Citizens Advice Bucks works closely with other charities - to offer those in need the option to seek other types support linked to their original query.
Mr Glynn said: "Mental health is one of the leading factors that we see associated with debt, and this can be from people who have ongoing concerns with their mental health, but it can also be people who are experiencing a mental health crisis or just an extremely severe stress response."
"Particularly in relation to their debts, and hopefully being able to explain to them the options that they have available to them for the mental health side of support, and they can tackle some of that cause."
The charity offers targeted support, advice, and tips for any area of a person's finances - from debt to benefits, or help with electricity bills.
If you would like to find out more about Citizens Advice Bucks, or need support from the charity, you can visit their website.