Skip to main content

A debt free path for a mental health sufferer


It’s a well-known fact that individuals who suffer from a hampered mental capacity - be it mental health or learning difficulties - are most likely to be vulnerable in our communities. They are also more likely to be victims of miss-sold products and services by companies, even though organisations that are providing financial products and services have a duty under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to take extra care towards these individuals.

This is what the FCA has to say about vulnerable customers:

‘ The vulnerability of the customer, in particular where the firm understands the customer has some form of mental capacity limitation or reasonably suspects this to be so because the customer displays indications of some form of mental capacity limitation (see  CONC 2.10)

But due to a culture of intensive selling to consumers, generated by employers placing and enforcing - often difficult and unrealistic - performance goals which are attached to tempting bonus schemes, their employees strive purely to hit sales and profit targets in order to ensure both their continued employment and earn sufficient wages to exist.

Regardless of any signs of consumer vulnerability that may be shown in front of the representatives of such businesses, any duty of care owed to the consumers ceases to be the top priority for many sales people nor an acceptable reason for not getting a sale and target by the organisations (or at least until they are challenged on it).

As a debt specialist in a local East End advice centre, Toynbee Hall, I regularly come across examples of the above. One indebted client was contracted with a top telecommunications services providers in the UK. It sold them a mobile phone contract running for 24 months, but due to her mental health issues and debt report, she obviously lacked the mental capacity to budget and make financial decisions. Thankfully I put her in touch with Tower Hamlet’s Social Services who, working with the client and her landlord, have put in place a support system where she is now helped with paying her regular bills and day to day care.

Recently, whilst I presented the Community Money Matters radio show on Betar Bangla (http://www.betarbangla.net/)
- an East London Community Radio station for the Bengali community - a caller asked me a question that I cannot forget:

When a neighbour is concerned about the well-being of his or her fellow neighbour what can he do when the person who is suffering does not even know that he or she is suffering from mental health?’  

Also just over a year ago I advised a walk-in client who had been detained under the Mental Health Act - this is when a person could be kept in hospital for assessment or treatment in the interest of their own health, own safety or with a view to the protection of others – hence they were being escorted by their support worker. What was interesting at the time was how logical this client appeared. He was empathetic, and proactively apologetic for being in debt, so at the start I did not think to question the capacity of such an individual despite knowing he was being treated for mental health issues. It then dawned on me that mental health illness is not always as obvious as it might appear let alone knowing it’s complexity.  

During my Community Money radio show on East London Radio (https://eastlondonradio.org.uk/), Felix Eyimofe, a mental health support service Coordinator for Mind the mental health charity, gave  an insight into the challenges of an individual’s mental frame of mind, stating that:

‘when a person is so unwell, he is incapable of thinking about his financial matters . This person’s first and foremost priority is to recover.

For those who wonder what immediate options are available on debt matters, it may not be as simple as it sounds when the issues are related to priority debts such as rent arrears and council tax arrears. Since there is a duty of care owed by social landlords and local authorities on vulnerable clients, there is extra support available to these residences. 

However, the issue that I had mostly came to battle with local authorities is proving the client’s mental health problems. In such a scenario we do rely on documents from mental health professionals and information from support workers, such as representatives of Mind.  However, from the point of consumer credit debts, FCA states the following:

'A firm must suspend the pursuit of recovery of a debt from a customer when:

(1) 
the firm has been notified that the customer might not have the mental capacity to make relevant financial decisions about the management of the customer's debt and/or to engage in the debt recovery process at the time; or
   (2) 
the firm understands or ought reasonably to be aware that the customer lacks mental capacity to make relevant financial decisions about the management of the customer's debt and/or to engage in the debt recovery process at the time.' (see ■ CONC 7.10)


From my point of view, notifying the creditors of the mental situation of an individual has become a pivotal role to support them in difficult times in order to meet the condition set by the FCA. At this point in time, my job is to work with support workers, and other professionals to support the person for the best interest of the person. Initially, however, being able to easily identify and gain access to the available support networks would be a way to better speed the recovery process for such a person.

I am Ripon, a qualified Debt Advisor for the last 5 years.  This is my personal blog, all views are my own but the content is based on factual data available at the time of writing.

Comments

  1. Your work here on this blog has been top notch from day 1. You've been continously providing amazing articles for us all to read and I just hope that you keep it going on in the future as well. Cheers! visita il sito

    ReplyDelete
  2. Most heavy duty trailer hitches are designed using cutting edge computer aided models and fatigue stress testing to ensure optimal strength. Share new discoveries with your child and keep your child safe by purchasing the correct design for your lifestyle by following the Perfect Stroller Buyers Guideline. violence prevention

    ReplyDelete
  3. I got too much interesting stuff on your blog. I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work. Credit Card Relief Texas

    ReplyDelete
  4. USA Google.com Very informative post! There is a lot of information here that can help any business get started with a successful social networking campaign. Cilexin

    ReplyDelete
  5. Health information technology is a very useful technology. They are as follows eliminating the need for the handwritten medical records thus reducing the paper work..it eliminates the mistakes of misreading of the doctors handwriting and also reducing medical errors by transmitting accurate information electronically.Natural Male Enhancement Supplement

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. Click Here

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. get me private health insurance

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. honeycomb auckland

    ReplyDelete
  9. I agree with this: ‘when a person is so unwell, he is incapable of thinking about his financial matters . This person’s first and foremost priority is to recover.’ as one of my friends is recently going through this.

    free personal financial statement template
    legal document creator
    Release Of Liability Form Template

    ReplyDelete
  10. One that will give you the best of restorative inclusion, access to the best specialists based on your personal preference with the goal that any sort of medicinal care will be tended to that lone great inclusion, great specialists and great care can give.

    website

    ReplyDelete
  11. The main driver for the EHS business is the complemented requirement for business related wellbeing in. blis M18

    ReplyDelete
  12. Positive relationships build, while bad relationships destroy and tear down. It is important that you recognize this, because if you are around toxic people, who constantly batter and bring you down, then it would bring your health down as well. bee nuc for sale near me

    ReplyDelete
  13. We were eager to get to this topic because this is what can make a big difference when it is time to make money from your talents and skills.
    galliumcf website

    ReplyDelete
  14. The beauty of cultivating a culture of health and wellness in your lifestyle is that it serves as preemptive measures towards illnesses. It also leaves you with the liberating feeling that you're in charge of your health and your life.online clonazepam

    ReplyDelete
  15. By looking long-term at the life you really want, you can start to make changes to make it a reality. By doing nothing, you can only give yourself more issues to stress about. No one wants to be unhealthy. MYLE Pods Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology. Thanks for sharing it aurora co chiropractor

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure! Let me know if you want me to cover any specific issues that you are interested.

      Delete
  17. At first his administration considered admitting that constitutionally crime control was a state responsibility and proposing to behave through support of training programs and grant-in-aid to mention and local police forces, but his approach had little political pizzazz and was largely abandoned after it failed to impress the public. Legacy Healing Center

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am a new user of this site so here i saw multiple articles and posts posted by this site,I curious more interest in some of them hope you will give more information on this topics in your next articles. ultra fast keto boost weight loss

    ReplyDelete
  19. To enjoy, appreciate and see the positive in their situation, and to have positive experiences of past changes is the basis to set and implement goals in life. Health can be seen as a resource for everyday life, not as the goal of life.cbd gummies

    ReplyDelete
  20. We have sell some products of different custom boxes.it is very useful and very low price please visits this site thanks and please share this post with your friends. Health tips

    ReplyDelete
  21. As a result, no one definition of sexual health is likely to adequately represent this diversity, especially when professional opinions on sexuality and sexual health are formed by training and social position which in turn, are often influenced by the individual's culture, socio-economic status, religion, etc.orgasm

    ReplyDelete
  22. National Health Centre Week is observed each year in the second week of August mainly to raise awareness and recognize health centers and their dedicated service and contributions to the community.CBD

    ReplyDelete
  23. Other less serious circumstances may, nevertheless, lead the home health provider to determine that it should terminate its relationship with a particular patient.https://www.healthymenstore.com/important-things-to-know-before-getting/

    ReplyDelete
  24. You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. grass fed organic ghee

    ReplyDelete
  25. Love to read it,Waiting For More new Update and I Already Read your Recent Post its Great Thanks. organic ghe

    ReplyDelete
  26. Love to read it,Waiting For More new Update and I Already Read your Recent Post its Great Thanks. suc khoe

    ReplyDelete
  27. You need to avoid your old eating habits and adopt balanced diet that contains enough amount of proteins and vitamins. Raquel Welch Wigs You should start your day with a healthy breakfast. Try to include eggs, grains, wheat containing toast and fish in your diet as these are full of vitamins and proteins.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. https://www.losenows.com/

    ReplyDelete
  29. As stated on the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Blue Shirt Blog (CHNAs and Beyond: Hospitals and Community Health Improvement), "There is growing recognition that the social determinants of health - where we live, work, and play, the food we eat, the opportunities we have to work and exercise and live in safety - drive health outcomes.CBD gummies

    ReplyDelete
  30. When's the correct time to apply? Much the same as there are acceptable occasions to plant certain seeds, weeds have their own periods of developing,..Marijuana Seeds

    ReplyDelete
  31. Health insurance has proven itself of great help and financial aid in certain cases when events turn out unexpectedly. In times when you are ill and when your health is in grave jeopardy and when finances seem to be incapable to sustain for your care, Ovulation Tests health insurance is here to the rescue.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Resurgence is a clinically proven product and is available in a supermarket near you as well as online. Here is a small Resurgence review that would help you to understand the product better. resurge review

    ReplyDelete
  33. Handouts for massage treatment ought to incorporate all the fundamental data about the advisor, their involvement with the field, the idea of the training, 부산마사지 정보

    ReplyDelete
  34. Enjoying a healthy life is pivotal to your longevity and happiness. Having good health keeps you strong and vital, and that is the fibre that keeps you resilient to get through some of life's challenges, that will inevitably come your way. 남성중점치료병원

    ReplyDelete
  35. Semi-electric hospital beds contain some electric controls to raise and lower the head and feet as well as a manual crank to adjust the bed's height. hasta yatağı

    ReplyDelete
  36. Because of this shortage combined with the geriatric population increase, the medical community has to find a way to provide timely, accurate information to those who need it in a uniform fashion. buy online pills in germany

    ReplyDelete
  37. Whether it be for transsexuals or for straight men, male bust enhancement can be as effective as those done in females. 여유증

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. Skinnytabs

    ReplyDelete
  39. A woman tends to have all over body issues when it comes to the distribution of fat - from the neck to the arms to the midsection to the thighs. A man generally gains most of his weight in his belly, but everyone is unique, so you can't generalize too much. lose weight fast

    ReplyDelete
  40. Great information about wilderness for beginners giving the opportunity for new people. Perry Mason Leather Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  41. I really want to thank the author for such a nice blog that helped me to understand why it is important. How to Get Out of Debt

    ReplyDelete
  42. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work Health Info

    ReplyDelete
  43. alternative medicine is one of a kind medical practice that uses various healing methods such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Acupuncture, herbal and plant remedies and Reiki to attain complete mental and physical balance.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Pretty good post. I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts.Any way Here I am Specialist in Manufacturing of Movies, Gaming, Casual, Faux Leather Jackets, Coats And Vests See Stargate Atlantis Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  45. I am continually amazed by the amount of information available on this subject.What you presented was well researched and well worded in order to get your stand on this across to all your readers. check my blog

    ReplyDelete
  46. Another latest thing is to deal with the soundness of the characterized populace and not just individual patients. All the wellbeing needs of the populace in general are distinguished and served. It is stressed that the local area utilizes the wellbeing and social administrations gave. Healthcare has become more populace based. AviHuellas

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thanks for sharing this articles this is really helpful for me. Check this amazing Men City Racer Leather Jacket available in special discount and with free shipping as well.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Your article has piqued a lot of positive interest.I can see why since you have done such a good job of making it interesting. Gogelbet

    ReplyDelete
  49. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. phallosan forte coupon code

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much. You have really shared a informative and interesting blog post with people. phallosan forte coupon code

    ReplyDelete
  51. I admire this article for well-researched content and excellent wording. Thank you for providing such a unique information here. Debt Help Experts

    ReplyDelete
  52. Such an enlightening website. An obligation of appreciation is all together for sharing. Furniture is a thing that we in general need in our home or workplace. In case you thinking about obtaining new goods, by then I propose you buy victorian decorations. Since it's altogether pleasing and the arrangement is so impeccable.
    cheap yorkie puppies for sale

    ReplyDelete
  53. I'd like to express my gratitude for sharing such an excellent article about fair debt collection practices act mn. The article is instructive because it offers some useful information. Thank you for sharing it with us. Continue to post.

    ReplyDelete
  54. It is financially impossible to create a universal health care system without clearly knowing who is entitled and not. The system needs to have limits of its entitlement. healthcare software development services

    ReplyDelete
  55. Nice article. I think it is useful and unique article. I love this kind of article and this kind of blog. I have enjoyed it very much. Thanks for your website. 49ers varsity jacket

    ReplyDelete
  56. Nice post. Thank you to provide us this useful information. Squid Game Pink Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  57. Florida Health Insurance Rate Hikes - Can I avoid them? Why do they occur? Find out more information on why your health insurance premiums go up every year in Florida.Best Massage Chair

    ReplyDelete
  58. However, it is important for the facility to mimic normal outside daily life routines, so patients are encouraged to frequently leave their neighborhoods to attend treatment sessions, and outdoor courtyards. Website

    ReplyDelete
  59. Body-contouring surgeries comprise the well-liked tummy tuck, and the lifting and tightening of skin somewhere that it's loose and sagging. spa in Algonquin

    ReplyDelete
  60. The coach will provide the client with session notes, CDs/DVDs, food samples, and handouts. Also some coaches will send the client's doctor a progress report on a monthly basis. occupational therapy

    ReplyDelete
  61. "We've been clear that our operational performance has not been meeting our customers' expectations or the standards that we expect of ourselves - and that we've been pulling out all stops to improve our performance," a Qantas spokesperson told the BBC. 카지노커뮤니티

    ReplyDelete
  62. "As we have done in the past during busy periods, around 200 head office staff have helped at airports during peak travel periods since Easter." 실시간 카지노

    ReplyDelete
  63. Qantas was among airlines hit hard by the pandemic as countries closed their borders, grounding planes. 보증카지노

    ReplyDelete
  64. At the point when one concern is accommodated, another assumes it position to cover the neglected inclination.
    morrisvillecounselingandconsultingpllc.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Nice post. Thank you to provide us this useful information.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Budgeting on Your Money Matters...with Ripon Ray

24% greater than on the eve of the financial crisis, Britons owe a total of £72.5bn on credit cards with £400m added to balances in November 2018 alone, according to the Bank of England. In such a mountainous backdrop, it's essential that regulators and the central government put financial education on top of the agenda for the well-being of communities who are struggling with money. On Your Money Matters show, I have tackled this exact issue by interviewing Michelle Turpin Cope, Money Trainer. She personally struggled to manage her money once she resigned from her job as a nurse due to stress and depression. She had devoted her life caring for NHS patients. Once her savings ran out, she had to turn to state benefits; otherwise, would have been destitute. The luxury of spending money on a cup of coffee every day, without realising the impact this purchase would have on her finances, was really an issue for her. Once she went on a money mentor training, she was forced to

The Post War Welfare State is crumbling - who is to blame for it? Asks Ripon Ray

The current welfare state changed in such a way that a true reflection is required as to how this has come about and and its context. Post Second World War, the Attlee government nationalised  the Bank of England, the coal industry, the Central Electricity Generating Board and area electricity boards, Cable & Wireless Ltd, the railways and the local authority gas supply undertakings in England and Scotland. It introduced free education for all by nationalising institutions which were either provided by parishes or philanthropists. The National Health Service was formed and made accessible to everyone regardless of ability to pay.   If you were unemployed there was infrastructure to support you when you could not afford to pay by creating the welfare system as you see today. The expenses of running such a nationalised state was met by cheap loans borrowed from overseas, contributions made by tax payers and companies in times when Britain was losing imperial dominan