Debt – there’s always a story. What’s yours?

Debt can be a huge burden. It’s not just about money – it can affect your mental and physical health, your relationships and your overall wellbeing. The stress, sleepless nights and constant worry can take a serious toll on your life.

Behind every debt, there’s a story. And each story is unique.

This week, we’re highlighting the human side of problem debt, sharing real experiences from people who’ve faced it.

Whether it’s a relationship breakdown, redundancy, illness, economic abuse, unexpected expenses or the rising cost of living – there are all sorts of reasons people can find themselves in financial difficulty.

And it can happen to anyone.

Real stories

Like our customer Daniel, who could have been left homeless after a mistake with his universal credit payments. His story shows how quickly things can spiral out of control but also how reaching out for help can make all the difference.

One of the biggest hurdles people face when dealing with debt is the reluctance to seek support. Whether it’s fear of being judged, a sense of pride or simply not knowing where to turn, many people suffer in silence.

On average, it takes six to 18 months for those facing problem debt to reach out, with some struggling on alone for years.

Before coming to us for advice, 83% of our customers said they were stressed most of the time and 76% said they experienced sleepless nights.

Why seeking help matters

But it doesn’t have to be that way. After speaking to us, 80% of our customers said they were less stressed and 74% said it felt as though a weight had been lifted from their shoulders.

For years, Josh avoided facing his mounting debt. He was terrified of the constant phone calls and letters from creditors. But when he finally reached out to us and opened up, everything changed. Even his friends and family noticed a big difference in him.

This week, we’re encouraging people to share their own stories to show that financial hardship can and does affect anyone and, more importantly, that you don’t have to tackle it alone.