Category: Debt Advice

Debt Awareness Week 2026: Debt Doesn’t Define You

Debt Awareness Week 2026 (16–22 March) is about breaking the stigma around debt and encouraging people to talk openly about money worries. Across Scotland, hundreds of thousands of people struggle with debt at some point in their lives. Rising living costs, unexpected life events, and financial pressure can quickly lead to problems that feel overwhelming. Yet many people suffer in silence because they feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help. Debt Awareness Week is a reminder that debt can happen to anyone, and it doesn’t define who you are. Most importantly, it highlights that support is available and solutions exist.

Why Debt Awareness Week Matters

Debt problems are far more common than many people realise. Job loss, illness, relationship breakdown, or simply the increasing cost of living can make it difficult to stay on top of bills. Unfortunately, stigma often stops people from seeking help early. Many individuals worry about being judged or believe they should deal with debt alone. Debt Awareness Week aims to change that by encouraging honest conversations about money and promoting the support that is available. The campaign focuses on helping people:

• Understand that debt problems are common
• Realise they are not alone in their situation
• Feel confident seeking professional advice
• Learn about the solutions that can help them regain control of their finances

Talking about debt can feel difficult, but reaching out is often the first step towards resolving the problem.

The Impact Debt Can Have on Mental Health

Financial stress can affect much more than your bank balance. Many people experiencing debt also struggle with anxiety, sleep problems, and constant worry about the future. Common feelings people report when dealing with debt include:

• Stress about opening letters or answering calls
• Feeling overwhelmed by multiple creditors
• Difficulty sleeping due to money worries
• Avoiding conversations about finances

These feelings are extremely common when dealing with financial pressure. The important thing to remember is that help is available, and speaking to someone about your situation can bring immediate relief.

Signs You May Need Debt Help

Many people wait months or even years before asking for support with their finances. Recognising the warning signs early can help you take action before things become more serious. You may benefit from debt advice if you are:

• Struggling to keep up with monthly payments
• Using credit cards or overdrafts to cover everyday expenses
• Falling behind on household bills
• Receiving letters or calls from creditors
• Feeling anxious or overwhelmed about your finances

If any of these situations sound familiar, it may be time to explore the options available to you.

Debt Solutions Available in Scotland

There are several formal debt solutions available in Scotland designed to help people regain control of their finances. The most suitable option will depend on your personal circumstances, income, and the amount of debt you owe. One potential solution is a Trust Deed. A Trust Deed is a legally binding debt solution available in Scotland that allows you to repay what you can afford over a fixed period of time. At the end of the arrangement, any remaining unsecured debt included in the Trust Deed may be written off. Trust Deeds are designed to help people:

• Consolidate multiple debts into one manageable payment
• Stop creditor pressure and collection activity
• Work towards achieving a more affordable future within a structured plan

Speaking to a qualified adviser can help you understand whether a Trust Deed or another debt solution is right for your situation.

Breaking the Stigma Around Debt

One of the main messages of Debt Awareness Week is that debt should never be something people feel ashamed of. Financial problems can arise from circumstances that are often outside of our control, including rising living costs, unexpected expenses, or changes in employment. The stigma surrounding debt can make people feel isolated, but the reality is that thousands of people across Scotland seek help with debt every year. Talking openly about money problems helps remove the shame associated with debt and allows people to access the support they need sooner.

Taking the First Step Towards Debt Help

If you’re worried about debt, the most important step is simply starting the conversation. Speaking to a professional adviser can help you: Understand your financial situation clearly Explore all available debt solutions Create a realistic plan to regain control of your finances Many people find that once they talk about their debt problems and understand their options, the situation immediately feels more manageable. Debt Awareness Week is an important reminder that you don’t have to face financial difficulties alone. Support is available, and with the right tailored debt advice, it’s possible to take positive steps towards a more stable financial future.

Looking for ways to clear debts that you can’t afford to repay in Scotland? If your borrowing has become difficult to manage, it is natural to look for ways to clear debts in Scotland and regain control of your finances. Many people ask whether debts can simply be written off. In reality, debts are not usually cleared on demand. However, there are formal solutions available in Scotland that allow you to clear your debts over time, often with a portion written off at the end. The right approach depends on your circumstances, your income, and what you can realistically afford.

Understanding how to clear debts in Scotland

Clearing your debts is not about finding a quick fix. It is about choosing a structured solution that allows you to deal with everything you owe in a manageable way. In Scotland, this usually means entering into a formal arrangement that:

• Reduces financial pressure
• Brings all your debts into one place
• Reduces contact from the people you owe to
• Gives you a clear path to managing unaffordable debt

Professional debt advice is essential to make sure you choose the right route.

Options available to clear debts in Scotland

If you are able to maintain your current repayments, continuing as normal may be an option. However, if interest, charges, or multiple debts are making this impossible, formal solutions are designed to help you clear your debts in a realistic timeframe. The three main debt solutions in Scotland are outlined below.

Trust Deed

A Trust Deed is one of the most widely used ways to clear debts in Scotland. It is a legally binding agreement where you repay what you can afford over a fixed period, usually four years.

• One affordable monthly payment
• Interest and charges are typically frozen
• Creditors cannot take further action
• Remaining debt included in the plan is written off at the end

A Trust Deed provides certainty. As long as you maintain your agreed payments, you will clear your debts within a defined period.

Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS)

The Debt Arrangement Scheme allows you to repay your debts in full, but over a longer and more manageable period.

• Single monthly payment based on affordability
• Protection from creditor action
• Interest and charges are frozen
• Flexibility if your circumstances change

A DAS is often suitable if you want to clear your debts in full while protecting valuable assets such as your home.

Sequestration (Bankruptcy)

Sequestration is a formal insolvency process used when debts cannot realistically be repaid.

• Debts can be written off
• Assets may be used to repay creditors
• Your credit rating will be affected
• Financial restrictions may apply

While it is usually a last resort, sequestration can provide a fresh start and a way to clear debts in Scotland when other options are not suitable.

Can I get breathing space before choosing a solution?

Yes, using a Statutory Moratorium. If you are not ready to commit to a formal solution but need time to consider your options, a Statutory Moratorium can provide short-term protection. A Statutory Moratorium is not a debt solution. Instead, it is a pause that gives you time to plan your next steps.

• Lasts for up to 6 months
• Helps prevent most creditor enforcement actions
• Can stop actions such as wage arrestment or bank arrestment
• Can delay bankruptcy proceedings if applied in time

This breathing space allows you to explore how to clear your debts in Scotland without immediate pressure from creditors. However, it is important to understand:

• Interest and charges may still be added
• It does not reduce or write off debt
• It can only be used once in a 12-month period

A Statutory Moratorium is best used as a temporary measure while preparing to enter a longer-term solution such as a Protected Trust Deed or the Debt Arrangement Scheme.

What is the process to clear debts in Scotland?

To formally clear your debts, you will need advice from a qualified professional such as a licensed insolvency practitioner. This ensures:

• You understand all available options
• The solution is suitable for your circumstances
• Your creditors are dealt with correctly
• The process is handled from start to finish

You cannot enter into most formal debt solutions without this support.

Start your journey to clearing your debts

If you are looking to clear debts in Scotland, the most important step is getting the right debt advice early. At Trust Deed Scotland^®, we provide debt advice tailored to your situation. We will help you understand your options, deal with your creditors, and put a plan in place to help you move forward again. Speak to Trust Deed Scotland^® today and take the first step towards clearing your debts.

Cancer, Ill Health and Debt: The Financial Impact of Serious Illness. Debt does not always start with poor money management. For many people, financial difficulty begins with a life event that could not be planned for or avoided. Serious illness, including cancer, can place sudden and overwhelming pressure on household finances. At Trust Deed Scotland®, we regularly speak to customers whose money problems began with a health crisis rather than a financial decision.

World Cancer Day and the Human Impact of Cancer

World Cancer Day is an international awareness day held annually on the 4th February, which focuses on improving understanding of cancer and the challenges faced by those affected. Organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support highlight not only the medical impact of cancer but also the emotional and financial strain it places on individuals and families. In October 2025, Trust Deed Scotland® raised over £500 in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. This fundraising was part of our ongoing commitment to supporting people affected by cancer and recognising the wider impact the illness can have on individuals, families and finances. Macmillan’s work plays a vital role in providing practical, emotional and financial support to those living with cancer, and we are proud to contribute to that effort in a meaningful way.

World Cancer Day Theme 2025 to 2027

The World Cancer Day theme for 2025 to 2027 is United by Unique. This theme places people at the centre of care and their individual stories at the heart of conversations about cancer. Every cancer experience is different. The financial impact, the emotional strain and the support needed will vary from person to person. This is especially true when illness affects income, employment and the ability to manage everyday costs.

What Our Survey Shows

In a recent Trust Deed Scotland customer survey, we asked: What was the biggest cause of your financial difficulties? 5% said ill health or injury Almost 3% said a bereavement These figures show that for many people, debt begins with circumstances completely outside their control. Illness and loss often trigger a chain reaction that leads to financial difficulty.

How Cancer Can Lead to Debt

Loss or Reduction of Income

Cancer treatment can make it impossible to work for extended periods. Even where Statutory Sick Pay or employer support is available, income is often much lower than normal earnings. Self-employed people are particularly affected, as time away from work can result in little or no income.

Increased Everyday Costs

Cancer can bring additional costs at the same time income is reduced. These may include travel to hospital appointments, prescription charges, higher energy bills, childcare or domestic support, and special dietary needs.

Using Credit to Get By

To manage essential expenses, many customers rely on credit cards, overdrafts or loans. What starts as short term support can quickly become difficult to manage once interest and charges build.

Real Customer Experiences Affected by Cancer

The theme United by Unique is reflected in the real experiences of Trust Deed Scotland customers who faced problem debt following cancer diagnoses or caring responsibilities. Graham Graham contacted Trust Deed Scotland® during an extremely difficult period in his life. Alongside major personal changes, he was also dealing with a cancer diagnosis, which placed significant pressure on both his health and finances. “From day one, speaking with Ashley on the call to start the process, my mind was put at ease. I knew that being honest, open and communicating regularly was the only way to make a Trust Deed work. I think people sometimes bury their head in the sand when changes happen and feel they cannot stick to the original agreement. I could have ignored the problems, but I knew from the outset that the review team and regular check-ins really help reduce stress and support a successful Trust Deed outcome. The last two to three years were extremely tough. I was diagnosed with a low form of cancer, split up with the mother of my children, moved into temporary housing and eventually found a new home, all while trying to be a parent and work two to three jobs. There was never any pressure or force from Trust Deed Scotland, and I will never forget that. I would recommend this to anyone facing overwhelming debt and stress. Do not bury your head in the sand. Take a brave step and pick up the phone.” Paul Paul and his wife faced sudden financial difficulty after their child was diagnosed with cancer. Caring responsibilities meant both parents had to take time off work, causing an immediate drop in household income during an already distressing time. “The service provided was second to none. Matthew McNally was our adviser from the very start, and he guided us through one of the toughest periods of our lives. He put our minds at ease straight away. Our financial situation arose because one of our children was diagnosed with cancer. My wife and I had to stay off work to care for her, and our income fell suddenly. Matthew was extremely understanding and reassured us that he would find a solution, which he did. He removed one of our biggest worries and stresses and put us in a much better financial position. This allowed us to focus entirely on caring for our daughter. We really cannot thank him enough or speak highly enough of the support we received. He is a credit to Trust Deed Scotland.” Angela Angela’s financial difficulties developed over several years while she was caring for her father during his terminal cancer diagnosis. Despite working tirelessly and doing everything she could to stay afloat, her situation eventually became unmanageable. “Entering a Trust Deed was the best decision I ever made. Even after I had fully paid my Trust Deed, the support continued. The advice I received was genuinely helpful and actually worked. My financial problems started while my dad was dying of cancer. I gave up work to care for him and tried everything possible to keep paying my bills. I worked night shifts and zero hour contracts, but it was still not enough. I had worked for the same company since I was 18. When I returned, I was placed under an agency contract for years. By the time I finally regained stability, I was already too far gone financially. Setting up a Trust Deed gave me breathing space. The help and advice stopped the sleepless nights and constant anxiety. Sometimes people fall into debt even when they are trying their hardest to get out of it. I would highly recommend Trust Deed Scotland.” James James explained that his financial problems escalated rapidly after his wife was diagnosed with cancer and had to stop working. Balancing work, finances and caring responsibilities quickly became impossible. “The service I received was outstanding. Amy in customer services was friendly, clear and explained exactly what moving forward would look like. My money problems were manageable at first, but everything changed when my wife was diagnosed with cancer and had to stop working. I tried to keep us afloat, but my wife needed me at home, and I simply could not afford to take time off. Eventually, it hit me that my financial problems were not going away. Vicky set everything up for me, and the stress was lifted almost immediately. Now I can focus on helping my wife through her treatment without constant financial pressure. I cannot thank the team enough for the help and support they provided.”

Support and Resources Available

If cancer, ill health or bereavement has contributed to debt, support is available. Alongside debt advice, there are organisations that can help with benefits, emotional support and practical guidance. We have gathered a range of trusted charities and services on our support and signposting page: Trust Deed Scotland® Support Services These resources are designed to support individuals alongside their financial journey.

How to Contact Our Debt Advice Team Today

To get in touch with our debt advice team, please call us on 0141 221 0999. Our team of experienced debt advisers will discuss your circumstances and talk you through the available Scottish debt solutions for you. Alternatively, if you are unable to make a call, you can contact us via our WhatsApp Debt Advice Service, or quickly check your options using our Trust Deed Wizard® tool before reaching out to us.

You Are Not Alone

Illness and bereavement are life events, not financial failures. Cancer can change lives in ways that go far beyond health, and financial difficulty should never be a source of shame. Trust Deed Scotland® is here to provide clear, compassionate guidance and help customers take control of their finances during some of life’s most difficult moments.

New research shows household confidence remains low as debt concerns rise, with more people looking for financial help in Scotland. Many families are increasingly worried about rising debt, falling savings and future financial security. If you are searching for financial help in Scotland, you are not alone. The latest Consumer Sentiment Index from S&P Global recorded a reading of 44.8 in February. Any score above 50 signals improving confidence. Anything below 50 suggests deterioration. S&P Global is an international financial information and analytics company that produces economic research and economic data used by governments, banks and policymakers worldwide. Although February’s figure was slightly higher than January’s, it remains among the weakest readings of the past two years. In short, many Scottish households are feeling financial pressure.

Debt Levels Rising Across Scotland

The survey found households are accumulating debt at the fastest pace since July. Key concerns include:

• Growing reliance on credit
• Reduced access to affordable borrowing
• Falling savings
• Increased worry about the next 12 months

Young adults aged 18 to 24 saw the steepest increase in debt levels. At the same time, youth unemployment remains elevated, and wage growth is slowing. When income struggles to keep up with living costs, credit often fills the gap. Over time, that can lead to unmanageable debt. This is when seeking financial help in Scotland becomes essential. The scale of Scotland’s debt problem has also attracted national media attention. As reported by Herald Scotland, Trust Deed Scotland^® recently launched its largest-ever national campaign aimed at supporting Scots struggling with unsecured debt. The coverage highlighted growing financial pressures on households, the stigma that still surrounds debt, and the urgent need for accessible, regulated solutions. The campaign’s core message was clear: people should seek advice early, before financial difficulties escalate into more serious problems. Cost of living pressures are a major driver, with many cutting back on essentials to cope. As reported by Evening Times, our recent Trust Deed Scotland customer survey found that two-thirds (66 per cent) of respondents reduced spending on socialising and hobbies, a third cut back on food, and more than half (55 per cent) worked longer hours or multiple jobs to stay afloat.

Savings Falling And Spending Slowing

Households reported lower savings and less available cash. There has also been a clear drop in appetite for large purchases. When confidence falls, people delay spending and focus on essentials. This reflects a wider uncertainty about jobs, income and debt levels across Scotland.

What Financial Help In Scotland Looks Like

If you are worried about debt, there are formal Scottish solutions available depending on your circumstances. These may include:

• Protected Trust Deeds – A formal agreement to write off some debt, and repay the rest at an affordable amount over time, typically lasting 48-60 months.
• Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) – A popular debt repayment programme in Scotland that legally freezes interest and charges, and allows you to pay back debts at an affordable monthly amount.
• Sequestration – An equivalent bankruptcy for severe debt situations
• Informal repayment arrangements

The right solution depends on your income, assets and total debt. Getting tailored debt advice early gives you more options and helps protect what matters most.

Signs You May Need Financial Help in Scotland

You may benefit from speaking to an adviser if you are:

• Struggling to make minimum payments
• Using credit cards for everyday living costs
• Falling behind on priority bills
• Facing wage arrestment or bank arrestment
• Watching savings disappear

Debt problems rarely improve on their own. The sooner you take action, the more control you regain.

Confidential Debt Advice In Scotland

If debt is causing stress, support is available. At Trust Deed Scotland^®, we provide:

• Confidential advice without obligation
• Clear explanations of all available options
• Regulated guidance tailored to your circumstances
• Support throughout the entire process, regardless of whether you enter into a debt solution or not.

If you are searching for financial help in Scotland, speaking to an experienced debt adviser can help you understand your options and make an informed decision. You do not need to navigate debt alone. Call us on 0141 221 0999, or try our Trust Deed Wizard tool to check your options today.

What is a Debt Purchasing Company?

The person you owe money to (the creditor) can sell your debt to a debt-purchasing company such as Lowell Financial. This means that your original creditor is no longer the legal owner of the debt. The debt purchasing company is now the legal owner of the debt and can get in contact with you to chase debt payments. You now owe the debt purchasing company.  

How Does Debt Purchasing Work?

When a company is owed an outstanding balance, they may have a contractual right allowing the sale of this balance – your debt – to a debt purchasing company. This is a widely used form of debt collection. Debt purchasing can include debts such as:

• Credit cards
• Store cards
• Buy now, pay later
• Current accounts
• Unsecured loans
• Overdrafts
• Utility providers such as gas and electric companies
• Phone contracts
• Catalogue companies

Once a debt purchasing company purchases one of the debts above, ownership of debt transfers to them.  

What happens if my debt is bought by a Debt Purchasing Company?

The company that purchased your debt must follow the same rules as your original creditor. The same legal rights as your original contract are still in place. This means that interest and charges may only be added to your debt if it is also in the terms of your original credit agreement. Once a debt purchasing company has bought your debt, they can legally contact you regarding this and request your payment. If you’re being threatened by any creditor, new or old, and have unaffordable debts – Trust Deed Scotland^® provide free, confidential and tailored advice. Contact Trust Deed Scotland today to find out how we can help you. Often, you will be able to set up a payment plan with the debt purchasing company to pay the debt off over a certain period. If you were previously having difficulty repaying your debt before the Notice of Assignment was served, this transfer of ownership of your debt may help you. Debt purchasing companies often have more flexibility to freeze interest and charges, allowing you to pay off what is owed more quickly. Make sure to speak to an experienced debt adviser in Scotland to discuss all your options so that you can make the best decision for you.  

Why has my debt been bought?

The business of who you owe money to (your original creditor) is designed to lend money and collect it. When a debtor owes them money, it may not be in their interest to spend time and money chasing this debt. A debt purchasing company allows the creditor to collect most of the money owed to them, without the work of chasing up the debtor. Your creditor may hire a debt collector to chase the money the owed, or a debt collector may purchase debts for their own profit. Both options are in the creditors’ interest as this allows them to receive the money they are owed when a debtor is not paying. If you, the debtor, is made insolvent or sets up a payment plan, the creditor may have to wait a long time before receiving the debt or could also receive none of it. By selling this debt, they are guaranteed some of the money back, and no longer need to chase the debt.  

What’s the difference between Bailiffs and Debt Collectors?

If your debt has been sold to a debt purchasing company and they are now chasing you for this debt, you are held to the same legal agreement as your initial contract. A debt collector does not have any additional legal powers to collect the debt, unlike a bailiff. In Scotland, a Bailiff is more commonly known as a Sheriff Officer.  The laws differ in Scotland between what a Sheriff Officer can and typically will do vs. a Bailiff in England & Wales. If in doubt, get in touch with an experienced debt adviser.

I am unsure if I am liable for the debt being chased

We know that people can be unaware of their liability on an outstanding balance. There are many reasons for this:

• Closing an account with additional fees you were unaware of
• Cancelling a contract before the fixed period
• Guarantor responsibility
• Joint account debt

If you are being contacted about a debt that you are unsure of. The first step is to avoid fraud by checking the legitimacy of the company. Secondly, get in touch with the debt purchasing company to find out the information on the debt you are being chased for. The debt purchaser will inform you of their purchase through letter. This will state:

• Who the new owners of your debt are
• The name of the original creditor
• It may also include the account number of the original creditor
• Where your debt payments should now be sent to

Notice of Assignment

The people you owed money to (your original creditor) must inform you that your debt has been sold. This document is known as a Notice of Assignment. Selling debt is a common practice, especially with credit cards and loans. It is nothing to worry about as you are still under the same legal terms as your original contract. Meaning, the terms of formal debt solutions such as a Protected Trust Deed or the Debt Arrangement Scheme are still binding. The Notice of Assignment is informational for you to be made aware of the transfer in debt ownership. If you are in a debt solution, there is no need to worry when you receive this document. Simply, inform your debt solution provider, such as Trust Deed Scotland^® of the letter. The Trust Deed Scotland^® in-house team will update our records and ensure that all future correspondence is sent to the right people i.e. your debt purchaser.

Do something about your debt today…so you can stop worrying about it tomorrow.

Blethered with Sean McDonald

Trust Deed Scotland^® recently partnered with Blethered to discuss debt in Scotland. Listen to Sean McDonald and Tommy Gallacher one of our experienced debt advisers at Trust Deed Scotland^® as they walk you through an informed discussion about debt. Starting by dismantling the idea that debt is something to be embarrassed about, they discuss how common it is for people dealing with unaffordable debt to feel ashamed. In our most recent survey, 44% of Trust Deed Scotland^® customers told us that the fear of being judged and feeling ashamed or embarrassed about their debt stopped them from doing something about their debt sooner than they did.¹ We hope that this podcast will help people across Scotland who are dealing with unaffordable debt realise that they are not alone, and solutions are available. Listen to Sean McDonald and Tommy Gallacher on Blethered to understand that if you are dealing with debt, you are not alone. It’s Only Money, So Don’t Let It Define You // with Tommy Gallacher. For snippets of the Blethered podcast, follow us on social media. Trust Deed Scotland^® are on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube.  

Scottish Debt Solutions

After listening to Blethered, you can gain an understanding of the debt solutions available in Scotland. Tommy Gallacher provides a summary of a Protected Trust Deed, the Debt Arrangement Scheme, Sequestration and the Minimal Asset Process (MAP). If you think that a debt solution may be the right choice for you, or to simply learn more, we strongly advise that you speak with an experienced debt adviser. At Trust Deed Scotland^® we hear from people every day who are dealing with debt stress and worries that their financial situation can’t be fixed. Yet, we have helped [volume] of customers across Scotland find the right solution for them. Find out more about our customers’ experiences throughout their debt help journey by reading our TrustPilot reviews.  

Take Control of Your Debt Today

Trust Deed Scotland® can help you to understand your options towards a brighter future. By providing tailored debt advice, our experienced debt advisers can help you to make the right decision based on your affordability, lifestyle and needs. Take control of your debt today by getting in touch with the team at Trust Deed Scotland®. Call 0141 221 0999 to speak to an experienced debt adviser. Alternatively, contact us on WhatsApp or check if you qualify by using the Trust Deed Wizard^{® Tool.}   ¹ November – December 2023 Trust Deed Scotland® customer survey with 2,246 responses.

The 10th of October marks the annual return of World Mental Health Day. This year, we are supporting the theme put forward by World Federation of Mental Health to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace.  

How Can Work Impact Our Mental Health?

We all know that work can impact our mental health in either positive or negative ways. For some, work provides a sense of purpose and boosts self-worth. However, work can also be a source of stress and anxiety for various reasons. An obvious link between work and mental health is that of burnout. 88% of UK employees felt an impact on their health due to burnout from work during the last 2 years. Burnout often arises due to overworking, which we discussed for International Worker’s Day earlier this year. Many UK employees have recently reported overworking, and it was found that the UK has the highest weekly average working hours in Europe; at 42 hours per week on average.

• 43% of UK workers are regularly working unpaid overtime.
• 64% of UK workers feel pressure to be available for contact regarding work constantly.
• 42% of UK workers catch up on unfinished work during their free time.

 

How Does Financial Difficulty Affect Mental Health?

A common cause for mental health struggles is financial difficulty. Struggling to afford the essentials and to stay afloat financially is often linked to heightened levels of stress and anxiety. As financial difficulty escalates, unaffordable debt can build up. Here at Trust Deed Scotland^®, we hear from people across Scotland who are struggling to keep up with repayments to their debts. It is common for the people that speak to us to link mental health struggles to their debt; often discussing a lack of sleep caused by worrying about their financial future and experiencing stress caused by their debt. In our most recent survey, we found that:¹

• Over 93% of Trust Deed Scotland^® customers told us that they lost sleep worrying about their debt.
• Over 91% of our customers told us that debt had an impact on their mental health before entering into a debt solution, with many specifically affected by stress and anxiety.
• Almost 60% of our customers said that they have stress or anxiety.

 

Let’s Talk About It

While talking about mental health in the workplace has become more common, there is a stigma that many people can face. This stigma is also attached to the discussion of debt. With 44% of our customers stating that they delayed in reaching out for debt advice because they felt ashamed or embarrassed and feared judgement over their financial situation.¹ However, as difficult as it sounds, it’s important not to beat yourself up over debt. We know that many people across Scotland find themselves in debt; feeling ashamed or embarrassed about the situation can only impact on your mental health and cause further detriment to your financial situation. The best way forward is to speak to an experienced debt adviser who can help you to find the right solution for you. Taking this first step with Trust Deed Scotland^® has led over [volume] of people in Scotland to a fresh financial start.   “They are absolutely outstanding! I felt apprehensive and embarrassed about phoning up and asking for help, by the end of the phone call Soreena had answered all my questions went through everything clearly and had found the perfect solution for me. I no longer have to worry about debt and it’s been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I highly recommend giving them a phone if you are worried about your debts. The whole process has been a lot easier than I expected. Thanks again!” – Roxanne  

Contact Trust Deed Scotland^® for Debt Help

Tackling your debt can be the first step in improving your mental health. In a recent survey, 89% of Trust Deed Scotland^® customers told us that their mental health improved after they entered a debt solution.¹ Our team of experienced debt advisers provide you with tailored, non-judgmental, understanding and supportive debt advice – as cited by many of our customers on TrustPilot. Find out more about debt advice from Trust Deed Scotland^®. Talk to an experienced adviser today by calling 0141 221 0999. Get in touch with the team on the Trust Deed Scotland^® WhatsApp Debt Advice service.  

Support Services for Mental Health

We understand that although mental health struggles can be closely related to debt or could even be the direct cause of it, you may need to get in touch with people who are trained in mental health support. Please follow the links below if you feel it is appropriate for you. Discover more links to additional support services here. Call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 for free. Visit the See Me website for the relevant contact information. SHOUT provide 24/7 support via text message. Text ‘SHOUT’ TO 85258. Call the Samaritans on 116 12 for free, 24/7.

Visit the SAMH website for support.  

¹November – December 2023 Trust Deed Scotland^® customer survey with 2,246 responses.