Families urged to seek help, avoid debt

• Published date: 26 January 2023

After Pay schemes and other debt could quickly mount up and become unaffordable

‘‘We would encourage people to come and see us about this, because debt doesn’t go away without a plan, and our team can help with this,’’ Ms Batchelor said.

St Vincent de Paul centre and pastoral co-ordinator Sarah Strang said the organisation’s foodbank distributed more than 200 Christmas food parcels, delivering half of them to homes. The foodbank was closed over Christmas.

‘‘People are telling us the cost of food is an issue, and so is housing — we are seeing more people living in vans and cars,’’ Ms Strang said.

Back to school was a stressful time for families, although MSD did provide help with uniforms and stationery for beneficiaries and whanau on a low income, by way of an advance payment, which had to be paid back, Ms Strang said.

‘‘I’m hearing from clients that they are using buy now pay later schemes for school essentials which I would discourage, and I’d suggest they contact an agency to discuss more sustainable options,’’ Ms Strang said.

Ms Batchelor said PSO Family Works financial mentors and social...