During her visit, the minister met with CHAP staff and trustees and heard about the charity’s work providing free, independent and confidential advice across housing, homelessness, welfare rights, money and debt, as well as the organisation’s education and preventative work with young people.

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss some of the challenges facing individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, housing difficulties and debt, and the important role played by independent advice organisations in helping people to access the support and additional income which they could be entitled to.

In 2025, CHAP secured more than £4.278 million in financial gains for the people it supported, demonstrating the significant impact that professional advice can have on financial wellbeing and security.

Debbie Alexander, CEO of CHAP, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Minister Kumar to CHAP and to have the opportunity to showcase the breadth of our work over the last 25 years.

“It was especially valuable to discuss the challenges we are seeing through increased demand for our services and the difference that accessible advice can make to individuals and families across Ayrshire communities – particularly at a time when the cost-of-living crisis continues to stretch household budgets.”

Ms Kumar also heard about CHAP’s award-winning Education Service, which provides financial, housing and independent living education to pupils and young people.

CHAP has delivered financial education in North Ayrshire secondary schools since 2005, with the programme covering practical subjects including budgeting, banking, saving, credit scores, debt, future planning, pensions, housing and preparing for independent living.

The Education Team also delivered sessions in Dumfries & Galloway, where its Life Skills programme was recently recognised with the ‘Climate Action’ Award at the Morgan Sindall Supply Chain Awards.

Robin Ballantyne, head of education at CHAP, said: “It was fantastic to share details of our Education Service with the Minister and highlight why financial education is so important for the next generation. We’re committed to preparing young people for a future beyond the classroom, and we know that giving pupils the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions can help build greater financial resilience later in life.”

The visit also provided an opportunity to reflect on CHAP’s history and development, with the charity marking 25 years of service at an anniversary event held at the Scottish Parliament last year.

The minister’s portfolio includes responsibility for welfare and debt advice services, making the visit an opportunity to discuss the vital role that independent advice organisations play in supporting people and communities across Scotland.

Equalities and international development minister Simita Kumar said: “Advice services like those provided by CHAP are critical to Scotland’s communities, helping people understand their rights and entitlements, maximise their incomes and reduce poverty.

“During Challenge Poverty Week, I want to thank CHAP’s staff and trustees for the dedication and expertise they bring to this vital work, and to recognise the crucial contribution the organisation has made over the past 25 years.

“We recognise the important role that third sector advice providers like CHAP play in our collective response to eradicating poverty and preventing homelessness, and we value CHAP’s ongoing commitment to helping people take up the financial support they are entitled to.”

Debbie Alexander added: “We thoroughly enjoyed meeting Minister Kumar and her team and would like to thank them for taking the time to visit CHAP and meet with our staff and trustees. The visit was a great opportunity to share our experiences, highlight the impact of our work and explore further opportunities to tackle poverty and homelessness, reduce inequality and improve outcomes for people across our communities.”