A FREE community drop-in centre has been launched at Kilwinning Sports Club (KSC).

In a bid to help residents who could be going through debt problems, the confidential housing, debt and welfare advice service CHAP – Community Housing Advocacy Project – is now offering its services at the local venue.

A CHAP specialist advisor is based in KSC three days a week, providing pre-arranged and drop-in appointments for anyone with concerns about rent, council tax or mortgage arrears, eviction, anti-social behaviour issues and even bankruptcy and court representation.

Debbie Alexander, CHAP’s chief executive, said: “Debt can impact on so many people in so many ways, so our first action within the Kilwinning community hub will be to stick the kettle on and have a chat.

“That way, we can find out what any real issues are and work towards reducing worry and finding solutions.

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“We will also be offering free financial education workshops entitled ‘Planning for the Future’.

“This is because debt is often genuinely accidental and may arise through little more than lack of knowledge.

“CHAP has been assisting Ayrshire folk for more than 20 years and there’s not much we have not seen or heard.

“We exist to help debt spiralling and threatening the very roof over people’s heads.”

The current KSC project is funded by Scottish Government through the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. The service operates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 3pm, with a drop-in service available on Tuesdays only. For more information, call Nicola on 07947 774741.

You can also contact CHAP direct through a live chat service at www.chap.org.uk or by phone on 030 0002 0002.