MoneyHelperDebt and enforcement don't just hit your finances — they affect your sleep, your mood, your relationships and your health. If bailiffs are involved and you're struggling to cope, please know two things: the situation is solvable, and there is support designed for exactly this. You don't have to face it alone.
The essentials
- Enforcement agents must act proportionately and take account of vulnerability.
- People in vulnerable circumstances — including mental or physical ill health — can ask for extra time and adjustments.
- Breathing Space gives stronger, longer protection to people in mental health crisis treatment.
- A formal solution can stop enforcement and take the pressure off.
Extra protections may apply
Enforcement agents are required to act proportionately, and there are additional safeguards for people in vulnerable circumstances — including those living with a mental or physical health condition. You can ask for reasonable adjustments and for more time, and you can tell the creditor or firm in writing (ideally with some evidence) so it's on record. Our guide to your rights with bailiffs covers this too.
See which debt solutions you could qualify for. Checking your options won’t affect your credit score.
Breathing Space and mental health crisis
The government's Breathing Space scheme freezes enforcement, interest and creditor contact. The standard version lasts 60 days; there's also a mental health crisis version that protects you for as long as your crisis treatment lasts, plus a short period afterwards. An approved debt adviser or an Approved Mental Health Professional can help put this in place.
Talk to someone
If things feel overwhelming, please reach out — to your GP, or to a confidential support service such as Samaritans or Mind, who are there to listen.
If you're in immediate danger or crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis line straight away.
Tell us a little about your situation and find out which debt solutions may suit you. Free, no-obligation and it won’t affect your credit score.