Invitation to visit Camlin Credit Union

Recent figures show that 44% of people in Northern Ireland are living in fuel poverty. The credit union says members and non-members are welcome to come and examine how fuel bills can be met without the burden of a sizeable one-off payment.

Liam McCullagh of Camlin Credit Union said: “The price of fuel is now one of the greatest cost burdens on local households. The fact that the first fill of oil, gas or purchase of coal can coincide with the start of the school year adds to the pressure on many local families and makes September and October as expensive as the Christmas period.

“With up to four out of every 10 households already living in fuel poverty it is clear that families are facing very difficult choices and may be forced to prioritise between food, heat or uniforms and other school costs.”

He continued: “During October we are inviting local people to come and speak to our trained volunteers and staff and see what options are available to meet these costs. Our members can avail of services which allow the cost burden to be spread over a longer period and end the anxiety of having to pay big bills all at once.

“You can come and talk to us safe in the knowledge that we are not like any other financial service provider. We are a local co-operative which exists solely to meet the needs of people in our community.

“Already 410,000 people are members of credit unions across Northern Ireland and are availing of our services to meet their household needs as well as preparing for family occasions when they spend more such as weddings, holidays and Christmas.

“October is the ideal opportunity for existing members to come and review their finances and for those interested in joining to get more information – remember at your credit union members matter most,” he concluded.