Housing tenants urged 'not to struggle in silence'

Social housing tenants in the south of the Isle of Man have been urged not to "struggle in silence" amid the financial pressure of the festive season.

Port St Mary Commissioners have called on those who feel at risk of falling behind in rent payments to contact the housing officer.

The local authority has also highlighted other organisations offering support, including the island's food bank and free debt counselling services.

Chairman Jean Teare said it was important for those struggling to seek out help rather than let accumulating debt get on top of them.

Teare said local authorities were the "beating heart of the community" so members "always need to be conscious of social problems out there".

In a message on its social media channels, Port St Mary Commissioners said: "If you are struggling financially this Christmas, don't sit quiet and let things get on top of you. Reach out and ask for help."

The board had agreed to highlight the support available following a "conversation about the possible impact of mental health on accumulating debt", she said.

"Our housing officer works closely with all the tenants so she should be the first person to go to if they feel that they're getting behind in anything, so she can at least talk to them.

"If she doesn't know there's a problem, there's nothing she can do."

Teare said making sure rate-payers knew there was support available was "very important" because local authority members "have to have a social conscience all the time, but especially with such hardship that's around at the moment".

The commissioners' officers will be open on 30 and 31 December and 2 January for those potentially struggling with their rent payments to speak someone about it, she added.

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