We are delighted to announce that We Are Group, Toynbee Hall, and Kaleidoscope have partnered to deliver the Money and Pensions Service’s (MaPS) Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS) – a debt protection option for people receiving mental health crisis treatment.
MHCBS is a debt respite scheme offering protection for people receiving mental health crisis treatment. We Are Group were recently awarded the contract following an open tender process run by the Money and Pensions Service.
Through the new partnership, MHCBS service will integrate the expertise of leading financial advice and mental health organisations to make a profound impact on the on the lives of individuals struggling with a mental health crisis and financial issues, providing them with a "breathing space" to manage their situations without the immediate pressures of debt collectors and financial obligations. The service will not only aim to stabilise financial problems whist in mental health crisis treatment but also strives to reduce the stigma surrounding these issues, promoting a healthier, more inclusive community.
From January 2025, We Are Group will coordinate the seamless delivery of services across England, ensuring the integration of multiple complex elements, providing a unified service experience for clients.
Toynbee Hall will be actively involved through providing dedicated provision via its Advice Services Directorate. They will provide regulated debt advice to MHCBS service users, handle MHCBS renewal checks, and provide wraparound signposting.
The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, a national mental health organisation, will co-design the service framework and train front-line staff in mental health awareness. Their expertise will enhance the usage and awareness of Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHP), fostering improved integration between the debt advice and mental health communities.
Calum Nisbet, CEO at The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, commented,
“We are delighted to be collaborating with We Are Group on this critical initiative which represents a vital step forward in providing much-needed mental health support to individuals facing financial difficulties. The impact of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis has hit vulnerable communities particularly hard, exacerbating the challenges they face every day. By working together, we aim to ensure that those who are struggling receive the compassionate and effective support they deserve during these challenging times.”
Toynbee Hall’s Director of Advice Services, Matt Dronfield, echoes similar sentiments,
“We at Toynbee Hall are incredibly proud to embark on this partnership with We Are Group, leveraging our 140-year history of supporting communities and our 18-year track record of leading Debt Free Advice, the MaPS-funded debt advice provision in London. This collaboration represents a significant opportunity to extend our deep expertise in delivering critical financial support to those who need it most across England. Together, we are committed to ensuring that individuals facing financial challenges, especially those experiencing a mental health crisis, receive the guidance and protection they deserve. We look forward to bringing our shared vision to life and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.”
Anna Hall, Corporate Director for Debt at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), said,
“We are looking forward to working in partnership with We Are Group, Toynbee Hall, and Kaleidoscope to deliver our Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space service from January 2025.
Research shows that those who have been diagnosed with a mental illness are more likely to need support with managing their money. We intend that this Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space service should ensure that more people who are receiving qualifying crisis mental health treatment can benefit from this service for as long as possible whilst offering them debt advice and support appropriate to their needs.
More information about the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space service can be found on our MoneyHelper website, which provides free and impartial money guidance.”
Managing Director of We Are Group, Jonathan Prew, also comments on the collaboration,
“The collaboration between WA Group, Toynbee Hall, and Kaleidoscope under the MaPS’ MHCBS programme is a testament to our commitment to holistic care. By addressing both mental health and financial stability, we are taking critical steps towards supporting our community members in a more comprehensive and empathetic way. By pooling together resources and expertise, we aim to provide a comprehensive and easily accessible service for those in dire need. Our contact centre will serve as the primary channel for all referrals, ensuring timely and effective support.”