Since our launch in spring 2016, we’ve been working tirelessly to break the link between financial difficulty and mental health problems. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far…
Millions of people with mental health problems will be protected from scam ads on sites like Google and Facebook – following our campaign with a cross-sector coalition to get the government to use the Online Safety Bill to tackle scam ads.
Last year, our investigations raised significant concerns about planned cuts to funding for face-to-face debt advice. We’re delighted that the Money and Pensions Service has since increased the funding available to these vital services.
Following our campaign, the government agreed to make default notices – the most distressing debt collection letters – more supportive and less intimidating. With millions facing debt problems due to the pandemic, these changes will save lives.
In 2018, we secured a promise from the government to extend its Breathing Space debt respite scheme to people in mental health crisis. The scheme has now been rolled out and government figures suggest up to 50,000 people in mental health crisis could benefit.
After a two-year campaign, we secured a promise that GPs in England would stop charging for the forms people with mental health problems need to get support with their finances. And we’ve seen a victory for the campaign in Wales too.
Since 2017 we’ve encouraged banks to give customers the option to block gambling payments. In 2018, Monzo, Starling and Barclays became the first banks to do so, and now it is estimated that around 90% of current accounts offer a gambling block.
Get involved
We’re a small organisation, but achieve big things thanks to our supporters. Whether you have personal experience of mental health problems, are a professional in a related sector, or would just like to stay updated, we’d love you to get involved in our work tackling the toxic link between financial difficulty and mental health problems.
