STEPPING Stones Monday Advice Project was recently visited by an MSP to discuss the anti-poverty work of the charity.

Jeane Freeman MSP was welcomed to Money Advice Service, to discuss the vital anti-poverty work and to meet some of the local people who have been using the project in Carrick.

Stepping Stones for Families provides the only locally based money advice service for families living in the rural communities of North and South Carrick.

This is a service for families with young children and young people up to 24-years-old.

Over the past year the Money Advice Service has responded to 269 referrals, achieved an annual equivalent of £819,948 increase in income for families and re-negotiated £57,390 of debt for 41 families.

Isobel Lawson, chief executive of Stepping Stones for Families, said: “We were pleased to welcome Jeane Freeman MSP to our service and to have the chance to explore with her some of the issues that the people using our project face daily.  

“We are grateful to Comic Relief and the William Grant Youth Opportunities Fund administered by Foundation Scotland, for funding this vital project.” 

Nikki Pitt, Money Advice Officer at the project, said: “I hope this visit will raise the profile of the challenges faced by families living in rural communities, and the importance of sustaining the work of the Carrick Money Advice Service.  

Jeane Freeman MSP added: “Once again, I am inspired by the third sector in Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley making a real difference to people living in poverty.”