Debt Help That Starts with Breathing Space

Pause interest, charges and most enforcement for up to 60 days while we set up a sustainable plan — DMP, IVA or DRO. Free, confidential and judgment-free.

✅ Start Free Debt Check
Free & confidential • 60–90 seconds • No obligation
Reviewed by: UK Debt Support Team • Last updated

What We Do — Debt Help That Protects You First

We help people across the UK who are struggling to repay debt. Our first step is protective: if suitable, we help you enter Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme) so interest, charges and most enforcement are paused while we build a plan that fits your budget.

Next, we set up the route that’s right for you — an affordable DMP, a formal IVA (with legal protections once approved) or a DRO if you meet strict low-income criteria. Everything is explained in plain English, with no pressure and no upfront fees for formal solutions we refer to.

Start My Free Debt Check

Our Process — Simple, Accurate, Stress-Free

We do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to call around and repeat the same details ten times. Here’s how we work:

  1. Make an enquiry or WhatsApp us. Message us on WhatsApp or use the online form to get started fast.
  2. Welcome call & full financial review. We phone you to go through income, bills, dependants and spending in detail.
  3. Total up your debts. We confirm balances and, with your consent, run free credit searches if needed to ensure nothing is missed.
  4. Bank statements & accurate budget. With permission we review statements to build a fair budget and confirm what you can truly afford to repay — 100% accurate.
  5. Match you to the right provider. We place you with a suitable DMP provider or a licensed Insolvency Practitioner for an IVA/DRO that fits your needs and affordability.
  6. Set-up & support. We coordinate the set-up and creditor communications so you can focus on life, not phone calls.
Outcome: the right solution for your situation, with less stress and no repeated explanations.
Begin with a Free Debt Check Chat to Us on WhatsApp

Quick Access

Get Matched to the Right Route

Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme): How It Protects You

What it does

Breathing Space is a government scheme in England & Wales that pauses interest, charges and most enforcement on qualifying debts while you work with an approved adviser. Standard Breathing Space lasts up to 60 days. During this period, creditors should not contact you for payment or take most new enforcement action.

Why we lead with Breathing Space

Neutral sources: GOV.UK (official scheme overview), MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice.

Ask If I Can Get Breathing Space

Breathing Space Eligibility & What We’ll Ask For

Basic checks

Useful documents

We’ll help gather information quickly — you don’t need everything perfect on day one.

Check My Eligibility (Free)

Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space

If you’re in mental health crisis treatment certified by an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), protections last for the duration of treatment plus 30 days. We’ll work with your care team to ensure the right documentation is in place and that your creditors are notified properly.

Get Help with Mental Health Breathing Space

Which Debts Are Covered by Breathing Space?

Generally covered: most personal unsecured debts — credit cards, loans, overdrafts, store/catalogue accounts, BNPL and many arrears (e.g., utilities).

Treated differently: secured borrowing (e.g., mortgages and HP) — the secured element isn’t included. You should keep paying priority bills if they fall due during the period. We’ll explain what qualifies in your case.

If an account is already subject to court action, protections usually still apply to new enforcement steps during the period. We’ll clarify exactly what pauses for your situation.
Ask Which of My Debts Qualify

Stopping Bailiffs, Interest & Most New Legal Action

Once you’re in Breathing Space, creditors should not contact you to demand payment and should pause most enforcement. This typically includes halting bailiff action and freezing interest/charges on qualifying debts while protections are active. If you still receive contact, we’ll respond in writing and reference the scheme rules.

Stop Enforcement — Start My Free Check

What Happens After Breathing Space Ends?

Breathing Space is a window to set up a sustainable plan. Before it ends, we’ll help you move to the best route for your numbers:

Our promise: budget-first, defendable offers and zero pressure. If another free charity is better placed for you, we’ll signpost.

Plan My Next Step (Free)

IVA, DMP or DRO — Choosing the Right Route

IVA — Individual Voluntary Arrangement

Best when debts are around £6,000+ and you have a steady income. Once approved, it usually freezes most enforcement and interest. After successful completion, remaining qualifying unsecured debt may be written off. Typical term: 5–6 years.

Learn About IVAs

DMP — Debt Management Plan

An informal plan with one reduced payment to non-priority debts based on what you can afford. Interest reductions/freezes are commonly requested but not guaranteed. Flexible if income varies.

Learn About DMPs

DRO — Debt Relief Order

For people with low income and low assets within set limits. Legally pauses included debts and may write them off after the DRO period if criteria still apply. Low-cost and quicker than bankruptcy.

Learn About DROs Get a Personal Recommendation

Clear, Verified Guidance

For added reassurance, here are neutral sources that explain Breathing Space and formal solutions clearly:

Talk to Us — Free & Confidential

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Breathing Space stop all calls and letters?

Creditors should not contact you about enforcement or demand payment on qualifying debts during the protection period. If you still receive contact, we’ll step in.

Ask Us to Handle Contact

Can I enter Breathing Space more than once?

Standard Breathing Space is generally once every 12 months. The mental health route isn’t limited by the 12-month rule while you remain eligible.

Check My Timing & Options

Does Breathing Space fix my debts by itself?

No — it’s a protective pause. We’ll use the period to set up a workable plan so you have a path after protections end.

Set Up My Plan

Will this affect my credit file?

Breathing Space itself isn’t a registered insolvency solution. However, any existing or ongoing payment issues can still appear. Choosing the right next step helps stabilise things.

Get Credit-Safe Guidance

Is there a Scottish equivalent?

Scotland has different legal options, e.g., a temporary moratorium before a Trust Deed or DAS. Ask us if you’re in Scotland and we’ll signpost appropriately.

I’m in Scotland — Help Me

Start Your Fresh Start Today

Get protected with Breathing Space and move into a plan that fits your life. We keep priority bills safe, speak to creditors in writing, and guide you to the route with the best long-term outcome.

Start Free Debt Check
💬 Chat on WhatsApp