May17

Debt in Mind makes it to Parliament!

posted by in Debt, Mental Health Awareness Week, StepChange Leave a comment

We made the call, and Parliament answered. Debt and mental health are linked!

Debt and mental health are linked

They say from small acorns can spring mighty oaks. Well, from our acorn sprung something seriously mighty indeed!

Our work alongside our friends at the Mental Health Foundation for Mental Health Awareness Week began as a simple belief that debt and mental health are intrinsically linked and that we should make more people aware of the connection between the two.

But not only have thousands of people been made aware of our Debt in Mind campaign, but it’s also attracted attention from those who can make real changes to better the lives of so many.

This morning we learned that the following statement was made in a motion tabled by Christina McKelvie at the Scottish Parliament yesterday:

“The Parliament recognises 13 to 19 May 2013 as Mental Health Awareness Week (and) congratulates StepChange Debt Charity on the launch of its new website, which examines the impact that debt and mental health problems can have on a person’s wellbeing…(and) commends the work being done by StepChange Debt Charity in aiding and guiding people with depression who are experiencing debt”.

So far the motion has been supported by 25 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). We’re very proud to receive such recognition and will continue to work alongside mental health charities to ensure that no one needs to deal with debt or mental health problems alone.

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May16

How Samaritans can help you

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Samaritans are in your corner

Samaritans are in your corner

At Samaritans, we’re aware that people are feeling under increasing pressure over money. At the start of the current financial crisis in 2008, one in 10 of our calls was about money, debt and related issues. Since then, this figure has risen to one in six.

Although we know that worries about debt or the threat of losing a home can cause stress and depression, it’s important to understand that suicide is complex, and it is seldom the result of a single factor. It is likely to have several inter-related causes.

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May15

Let’s get physical: Fitness and your mental health

posted by in Mental Health Awareness Week, Wellbeing 1 Comment

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Physical activity is good for the mind as well as the body

This year for Mental Health Awareness Week, the Mental Health Foundation are focusing on the positive effects exercise has on our overall wellbeing. Many of us wish we lived a healthier lifestyle, but putting it into practice can seem easier said than done.

A recent press release from the Mental Health Foundation claims that people would rather do boring housework than work out, and 28% of us exercise less than once a month.

Our Wellbeing guide outlines not just the physical benefits of exercise but the emotional and mental ones too. People who have good mental health are likely to feel more in control of their lives, and their debt. Is there a way to sneak exercise into our busy lives?

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May10

Our debt advisor awarded best in the country!

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Hip hip hooray for our Trish!

Hip hip hooray for our Trish!

Leeds debt advisor Patricia Cassidy beat off tough competition to be crowned Debt Counsellor of the Year at the Credit Today Awards 2013. 

Patricia was there in person to collect her award at last night’s ceremony held at the plush Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

A panel of experts voted that she most consistently gave top notch debt advice, sympathetically dealt with difficult cases and worked to promote debt issues internally.

Competition was tough in a category with seven other nominees, including advisors from Baines & Ernst, ClearDebt, Christians Against Poverty and Debt Advisory Line.

But our girl won through and was rewarded for her tireless daily work helping people out of debt.

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May10

The stress of dealing with debt alone

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No one should ever have to deal with debt alone

Mother Theresa was once quoted as saying “The most terrible (form of) poverty is loneliness”. Considering that in today’s society loneliness is said to be on the rise, she may well have been onto something.

Problem debt and rising living costs are a burden for many people, but it seems that people living alone have it especially tough. A 2011 study by Co-operatives UK found that 51% of a single person’s income goes on essential items such as housing, food and utilities compared just 30% of income earned by people living together. Dealing with this kind of pressure can surely intensify the negative feelings a lonely person goes through.

There’s more: according to the 2010 Lonely Society report by the Mental Health Foundation, the percentage of households occupied by one person more than doubled from 6% in 1972 to 12% in 2008. They also stated that more than a third of us (42%) have felt depressed because we felt alone.

If you take a look at our Debt in Mind page you’ll see quotes from actual clients expressing deep feelings of loneliness and despair. Debt and these feelings are often linked. If you’re feeling lonely it helps to understand more about these feelings. 

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May10

Your relationship, your debt and your mental health

posted by in Debt, Money worries Leave a comment

Debt problems can destroy even the healthiest of relationships

Debt can harm even the healthiest of relationships

It’s long been a concern of ours that so many people who struggle with debt feel a knock-on effect with their relationships.

There’s reason to be worried; our infographic for Mental Health Awareness Week highlights that 6.2 million people are hiding their debt from their partners. What’s more, 35% of people with debt problems said their relationship suffered or ended completely due to debt worry.

As Peer mentioned in a previous article, debt due to separation or divorce is a real problem all across the UK.  Luckily, our Wellbeing guide has a few suggestions to help keep your relationship on track during times of stress.

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May10

Debt and mental health – Jim’s story

posted by in Client stories, Mental Health Awareness Week Leave a comment

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After years of turmoil, Jim was able to turn things around with our help

As part of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week we’ve decided to shine a light on the impact of debt on mental health and wellbeing.

We could quote stats at you all day but we thought telling you about a real life client’s experience of dealing with debt and mental health problems would paint a clearer picture.

We speak to people in similar situations to Jim every day. Sometimes being in debt is cited as part of the reason for their mental health problems, and other times mental health problems have led to debt. Whatever the sequence of events, we know that getting quality debt advice can make a huge difference.

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