An Ardrossan-based charity which helps people with debt, welfare and housing challenges, has noted a marked rise in people asking for help around Christmas.

Since lockdown, the Scottish Government has lifted the ban on evictions and ended the job retention scheme.

Ray Chaney, Chair of Community Housing Advocacy Project (CHAP), pictured, says these changes have resulted in a significant increase of calls and emails for advice in the last quarter of 2021, signalling that many families are worrying.

Debbie Alexander, CHAP’s CEO, urges anyone in North Ayrshire facing debt and welfare issues to contact the charity as early as possible.

Ray Chaney added: “Debt and housing concerns can arise through a whole range of circumstances but equally, help is out there.”

The live chat is available from 9am to 5pm Mondays and Wednesdays and 9am to 3pm on Fridays at www.chap.org.uk or contact 030 0002 0002.