Sefton Council’s debt respite scheme for those receiving mental health crisis treatment

What is Breathing Space?

A new scheme has been set up by the government to “pause” someone’s debts while they are receiving Mental Health Crisis Treatment. If the person is not in receipt of crisis treatment they can request a standard breathing space by speaking to a debt advisor.

A mental health crisis breathing space should stop a person who is receiving Mental Health Crisis Treatment from
being contacted by someone they owe money to or being charged fees and interest on their debts.

Who can apply for a Breathing Space?

A person with problem debt who is receiving Mental Health Crisis Treatment can apply for this scheme themselves.
The following people can also make a referral on the person’s behalf:

■ Your carer
■ Approved Mental Health Professionals
(AMHP)
■ Your Care Coordinator
■ Mental Health Nurses
■ Social Workers
■ Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs)
■ Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCAs)

How to apply

To make a referral for a Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space please contact Sefton Council between 9:00-17:30 on 0151 934 3737 and ask to make a referral. This will then be allocated to an AMHP to consider.

Benefits of Breathing Space

It helps to create time and space for a person to get the treatment they need, without having to worry about their debts growing or their creditors contacting them during their treatment.  It also provides a route into debt advice for people in vulnerable situations and stops all enforcement action including eviction, disconnection and bailiffs.

How long does Breathing Space last?

Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space lasts for the entire time the person is receiving crisis treatment and for an extra 30 days after the treatment has finished.

Further information on the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space referral process can be found here: Breathing space poster (Digital) 28_2_23 (003)