From Financial Crisis to Economic Justice; Community Stories
The cost-of-living crisis has yet to see a reprise, with 2.2 million families across the UK struggling with debt. People are being forced with the alarming decision of eating or heating, many facing homelessness, and suffering physical and mental repercussions; yet, bills are again on the rise, and our community is bracing for what feels like a never-ending financial crisis.
Every year, our law centres help around 6,000 clients with a range of legal issues, and triage another 4,000, with a good chunk of the problems directly rooted in financial insecurity.
Our Cost-of-living and Money Advice team have been on the front lines, tirelessly providing whatever support they can to help clients through this difficult period, but an expert advisor on the team has raised a serious point on the issue:
“Our clients are struggling, often, they come to us for help in a state of hopelessness, with nowhere to turn. The services we provide are primarily focused on supporting the individual, but these issues are reflective of a community wide crisis. It’s a domino effect, one hardship triggering another, sending entire communities into cycles of financial injustice. Things need to change, and so must the services we offer. We must evolve; broaden our scope, centre the community, share their collective stories, and commit to tackling the structural roots of inequality.”
This is exactly why we are moving towards an “economic justice” framework in our approach, or rather interventions that tackle the root causes of the injustices faced by our clients, including unfair distribution of economic resources, systemic inequalities, structural barriers, and poverty intensification.
We can no longer address the cost-of-living crisis as a stand-alone issue but must see the depth of our flawed system. By integrating community driven initiatives and taking a more active role in campaign and policy, we continue to advocate, as we have for the past 50 years, for each and every story that comes across our doors.
Take Kayla* for example… She was a 26-year-old single parent, unable to work due to complicated health issues. She was overwhelmed, struggling to deal with multiple debts, and being harassed by her creditors, unsure on what to do next. Kayla found our centres, and after advice from a skilled advisor, was able to come to the decision to contact Money Wellness and apply for a Debt Relief Order (DRO).
“I am okay, I’ve contacted money wellness. Thank you deeply for the life changing help. You are appreciated.”
Lena* (43) suffered severe health issues, whilst also being a single mother, leading to her having difficulty finding a job. One of our expert advisors assisted Lena in applying for a DRO in May 2024, supporting her throughout the process. Lena was successful with her application, able to wipe away her debts and start afresh, with a weight lifted off her shoulder.
“Thank you for all your help I am so grateful all the work you have put in for me. Something I’ve not been able to do all my life and didn’t even know where to start. I shall never forget you and all the effort patience you had for me.”
Jenny*, a 63-year-old widow, was living alone and unemployed. Feeling vulnerable and afraid for her future, she was able to contact our centres, where she was put into contact with Money Wellness, and supported through an application for a DRO.
“I am extremely happy with the advice and support I received. With your help, I have finally taken the steps to getting this weight lifted off me.”
While each client had their own unique hardships, the challenges they faced were strikingly similar, from beginning to end; debt caused or worsened by health issues, caregiving responsibilities, or lack of secure employments, to eventually being directed to apply for a Debt Relief Order.
In our 50 years of support, we have seen many turning points, and now, we face another. While we are proud of our work, we cannot ignore the pattern: financial instability isn’t just personal, but a consequence of inequality, weak support structures and a lack of preventative measures. It sets off a domino effect, impacting housing, family life, and overall wellbeing.
This is why we need to address and respond with lasting, holistic, and systemic solutions.
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If you or someone you know if experiencing challenges to Kayla, Lena and Jenny, please do not wait to get help. Our team is here to provide free, expert advice and support.
To help us continue our work, or to be a part of this change, consider volunteering or sign up to become a monthly donor. Just £5 goes a long way in helping us deliver life-changing services to those who need it most.
*Name has been changed