“I had £15,000 of debt, but I didn’t have to deal with it alone.”
June* was a single parent living with two of her three children in temporary accommodation when she became overwhelmed by mounting debts. Unable to work due to ill health, June was trying to make ends meet on a low income and struggling to keep her head above water.
“I couldn’t keep on top of things, and it all started to build up,” says June, who lives in Merton. “Eventually, I had over £15,000 of debt. Of course, I wanted to pay my bills. But my ill health affected my work, and I just couldn’t afford it.
“I was worried all the time, wondering if today would be the day the bailiffs would knock at the door. I’d wake up in the early hours of the morning and lay awake wondering what was going to happen.
“I struggled to pay for things day-to-day, and had to say ‘no’ to my kids constantly. Not being able to provide for my family felt awful. It was so stressful, and really affected my mental health.”
Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future, June got in touch with Debt Free Advice. The national debt advice helpline is available to people across England.
After hearing that June lived in one of the boroughs covered by South West London Law Centres, the team arranged an appointment for her with our Money Advice service.
Money Advisor Lana Kaminskiene took on June’s case and talked her through her options.
“June was receiving benefits, but mental health issues had impacted her ability to manage and navigate her finances,” says Lana.
“Overwhelmed as a single mother, she struggled with her daily routine. She avoided opening letters out of fear and delayed making financial decisions. She required structured, step-by-step support to deal with her situation.”
HELP PEOPLE LIKE JUNE BY SUPPORTING OUR WORK
After Lana went over the debt solutions available to her in detail, June decided that a Debt Relief Order (DRO) was the right next step for her.
Designed for people on a low income with debts under £50,000, a DRO freezes most debt repayments for 12 months. If a person’s financial situation doesn’t improve, the DRO writes the debts off, allowing people like June to make a fresh start.
June’s application was prepared and submitted, and the Debt Relief Order was approved in under a month.
“Lana was so supportive throughout my journey,” says June. “She explained my options, helped me fill out various forms and told me everything was going to be OK. It put my mind at rest knowing something could be done to help my situation.”
Lana supported June while she navigated some complex insolvency options. June was also advised on reducing her expenditure and on the Charitable Grants and utility discounts available to her.
Free of constant worry over her finances, June was given the space she needed to focus on her health and family. Today, she’s moving towards a more secure future.
“Things are just easier now, and I’m a lot less stressed,” she says. “I’ve been given the time and freedom I need to get things sorted out, which makes a huge difference.
“I’m in touch with the Jobcentre and being assessed for my capability for work. When my health improves, I’m hoping to get some work experience that will help prepare me for the future.
“I wouldn’t have found this strength in myself without the Law Centre’s help. I’m so grateful.”
NEED HELP WITH MONEY MATTERS? BOOK A DEBT APPOINTMENT WITH OUR EXPERTS
June’s experience highlights the importance of timely, specialist debt advice being accessible to everyone who needs it.
Our Money Advice team is here to help anyone in South West London who is struggling with debt. Seeking advice early can make a big difference, and we can help explain the options available so you can choose the right next steps for you.
“I couldn’t see a way out of my situation,” June says. “But I’ve learnt that if you’re in debt, you don’t have to go through it by yourself. I felt so alone as a single parent, but Lana was right there with me all the way. She gave me a new start.”
*June’s name has been changed to protect her identity.