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 CheckWe 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 CheckWe do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to call around and repeat the same details ten times. Here’s how we work:
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.
Neutral sources: GOV.UK (official scheme overview), MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice.
Ask If I Can Get Breathing SpaceWe’ll help gather information quickly — you don’t need everything perfect on day one.
Check My Eligibility (Free)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.
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.
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.
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)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 IVAsAn 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 DMPsFor 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 RecommendationFor added reassurance, here are neutral sources that explain Breathing Space and formal solutions clearly:
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 ContactStandard 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 & OptionsNo — 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 PlanBreathing 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 GuidanceScotland 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 MeGet 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