How MABS can help you
MABS (North Galway Money Advice & Budgeting Service) has been giving free, confidential and independent advice to the communities of North Galway since 1995. It is located in the Social Services Centre, Dublin Road, Tuam. The staff is as follows: Belinda McGreal, Money Advice Co-ordinator, Brian MacGabhann, Money Adviser, Majella Lyons, Money Advisor, Nellie Sweeney, Administrator. North Galway Mabs is governed by a voluntary management committee at local level. The Citizens Information Board is responsible for the funding and overall governance of MABS service nationally. Outreach Clinics are available in Headford, Athenry, Williamstown and Mountbellew by appointment. Working hours in Tuam are from 9 am to 5 pm, and the office is open to the public through lunch time Monday to Friday. MABS national helpline is available during and outside of office hours on the MABS helpline at 1890 283438. The MABS Mission Statementis 'To work towards the elimination of overindebtedness through the provision of a free, confidential, independent community and rights based Money Advice & Budgeting Service, which identifies, supports, educates and empowers those experiencing or at risk of overindebtedness, especially those on low income, and to use the knowledge and experience gained to bring about policy change towards this end.' The aim of the Service is: â€Â¢ To provide a free, confidential, impartial and non-judgemental money advice service to the people of North Galway. â€Â¢ To provide the necessary information and practical help mainly to low income families who are in debt or in danger of getting into debt. â€Â¢ To tackle the problem of dependency on expensive credit and to identify sources of low cost credit that best meet the needs of our target group and we facilitate them to access these sources â€Â¢ To provide information and support education initiatives to improve the budgeting and money management skills to our target group. â€Â¢ To develop partnership and coordination with other relevant groups and services. â€Â¢ To provide ongoing support for families and individuals in the North Galway catchment area. â€Â¢ To ensure that low income families have equal access to MABS regardless of where they live via our outreach service. â€Â¢ To highlight changes in policy and practice that need to be implemented to eliminate poverty and over-indebtedness. Client services we provide include: â€Â¢ One to One Consultation â€Â¢ Telephone Consultation â€Â¢ Information literature â€Â¢ Family Friendly Appointments Policy â€Â¢ Budgeting Advice â€Â¢ Information on Rights & Entitlements â€Â¢ Liaising with local Agencies and Service Providers on the client's behalf â€Â¢ Dealing with Debt â€â€ Negotiation and Advocacy â€Â¢ Special Accounts facility â€Â¢ Empowering clients to regain control of their finances going forward â€Â¢ Ongoing Practical Support where necessary â€Â¢ Community Education Programme â€Â¢ Schools Education Programme â€Â¢ Referral to Appropriate Agencies The Money Advice Process: When you call to MABS, the counsellor will help you to identify the exact problem you are dealing with, assess the situation and maximise income, decide on a plan, negotiate with the people or organisations to whom you owe money, and work with you to regain your financial independence. You can find out more at the MABS stand during Manage Your Money Week at St Jarlath's Credit Union. Or contact ss at: Tel: 093 24421 E-Mail: tuam@mabs.ie Web: www.mabs.ie Mabs Lo-call Helpline: 1890 283438