Scottish Citizens Advice Bureaux have been a lifeline for those who live and work in Scotland since 1939. Often, their work is about more than solving individual problems - it can turn lives around and help people get back on track.
The two women that feature in the short film below, Mary and Margot, have been very courageous in sharing their stories.
Depend on Us from Citizens Advice Scotland on Vimeo.
Saving Scotland money
Independent research shows the work of the Scottish Citizens Advice Service contributes more than £160 million to the common good in Scotland.
The study, by the Fraser of Allander Institute, outlines a massive return on the investment of approximately £21 million which is currently spent running the service across Scotland.
The contribution to the common good includes:
- Client financial income of £63 million which leads to a further £27.4 million in wages and 1,246 jobs supported by this income
- Savings to the taxpayer of £42.7 million - £14.5 million in health care costs, £12.9 million in Jobseeker's Allowance savings, and £15.3 million in homelessness prevention
- Contribution to economic growth of £19.5 million as a result of clients not losing their job and remaining in productive employment
- Employment and wages supported by Citizens Advice Scotland/Citizens Advice Bureaux as employers and purchasers of services and goods, which support a total of 1,092 jobs and £13.6 million in wages in Scotland
The £63 million we gain in client financial income goes directly into the pockets of the people across Scotland who we help. They then spend that money in their local communities on goods and services, benefiting the local and wider economy.