Money and Mental Health Policy Institute

People with mental health problems have faced a much bigger hit to their finances during the pandemic than the wider population and are three times more likely to have fallen into serious debt, according to the results of a major national survey published today.

Campaigners have called on the Government to fix "absurd flaws" with the benefits system that prevent vulnerable people from getting help from family and friends to manage their universal credit accounts. Without this help, campaigners warn claimants ultimately risk losing their benefits.    

New rules giving those in England and Wales who are struggling with problem debt a two-month grace period to get their finances back under control come into force today, in a huge victory for MoneySavingExpert.com and others who've campaigned hard on the issue.   

Mental health sufferers are three times more likely to fall victim to online scams, while the coronavirus pandemic has made the threat worse - and now campaigners are calling on the Government to act.

The Government has today agreed to change old laws which force lenders to send intimidating letters to people struggling with debt, in a key campaign victory for the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute charity set up by MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis.

New rules which will give people struggling with problem debt a 60-day grace period to get their finances back under control are set to help millions, according to new estimates published by the Government.

Healthcare professionals have a "crucial role" in helping people with mental health problems avoid financial difficulties, according to a new report – but many patients aren't being offered this support.

At least four more high street banks – Bank of Scotland, Halifax, Lloyds and Santander – are working on plans to help customers restrict their spending on gambling, after Barclays became the first to do so last month.

Barclays has become the first UK high street bank to allow you to block payments to certain categories of retailer, such as gambling services and premium rate phone lines, in a bid to help vulnerable customers.

Almost half of those who take time off work due to mental health issues have to borrow money to make ends meet, while 42% go without essentials such as food and electricity, a new report shows.