Debt and Manic Depression ??

Chrismojam

lil_me wrote:

She's been offered no help from SS even with 2 small children, her partner has had to stop working as trying to work it between family members left gaps.

Sorry to say it, but in my experience, if you want any help, you really have to push for it.....and hopefully, not for long........which was not the case with me (pushed way passed breaking point...)

Now before Fishface gets defensive I know there are plenty of 'good' social workers who do their job and go the extra mile for their clients, I worked with social workers for a few years, so I saw the good, the bad and the indifferent....however, my mum was saddled with the most ineffective, incompetent SW's every time (when she wasn't comcared)....

bargainbetty

Hi Girly,

It might be a long shot, but you could try approaching the Pro Bono Unit at the Law Society for extra legal advice/representation. If she took this agreement out after she was sectioned then surely she cannot be held legally responsible for her acts?

If they try to take her to court, she should be eligible for legal aid, and they would have a very hard time proving that contract was reasonable and fair. I would suggest offering them the flat total of the loan back, plus a nominal amount for interest, and otherwise threaten to sue them for, oh I don't know, reckless endangerment and abuse of the mentally ill. (I work for solicitors and it sounds suitably threatening language)

You could even try Watchdog - they might take up the cause, if you are willing to have it publicised.

Just thoughts... apart from the fact that this lot are obviously scumbags.

I hope it works out for you xx

In_Search_Of_Me

I dont disagree that you will have to puch for help, from SS or anyone else for that matter. Social workers are human beings and like all walks of life there are good, bad, horrendous but the majority care deeply, do their best but are doing an impossible task with 40% shortage of social workers and no resources...if you dont get a good sw one then make a formal complaint but do push for help - with the system so overstreatched and mental health services so underfunded you do need to shout if you feel you're not being heard (metaphorically not literally!) or getting the help you need. You could also try voluntary agencies such as MIND to see if they have any support available generally but would get legal advice re the loan. Big hugs again...was thinking of you all this morning...

beanielou

Not much to add to all this but hope it can be resolved.Scary me thinks.