Told I can't get out of Chrysalis course contract.

TJ1107

Hi there, 
I'm hoping someone may be able to offer some advice please. 
Last year I signed up in good faith for a 3yr course with Chrysalis Not For Profit Ltd courses. I paid an initial lump sum deposit and have been paying monthly instalments since.
However, last summer my elderly mother was rushed into hospital. And has been in and out ever since. Most recently having major corrective surgery and needing full time care.
I am a single parent on minimum wage (the course was an attempt to improve my career prospects) with no support system. My mum only has me for support (yes she is able to get care but this is costly after the initial return from hospital care). 
I am near to completing the first year of the course, which can be studied as a stand alone course. 

My problem is, I am probably going to have to move out of my home into my mum's, quit my job and care for her full time. (She also has Parkinsons). 
This means two things... I will not financially be able to afford the monthly payment to Chrysalis, and I will not be in a position to complete the course study wise as I will have too much to juggle. 
I have spoken with the support team and they were next to useless. Told me the policy was that I was not entitled to any refund and would be liable for the remaining 2yrs payments. 

How can this be lawful if I clearly have extenuating circumstances?
Of course I understand that there are costs etc. But if the first year can be a standalone course surely I can pay for that bit and cease paying once that is covered? 

Do I need to go to C.A.B?
Or contact a lawyer? 

Any help is greatly appreciated. 

[Deleted User]

 Completely lawful if it was in the terms and conditions you agreed to on buying the course. 

 By all means see CAB to check what those T&C actually say 

mattyprice4004

Read the contract you agreed to - but by law, there's nothing to say that your circumstances suddenly absolve you of a contract you signed willingly. 

Your circumstances are unfortunate, but you probably need to appeal to their better nature here as I imagine that they'll be well covered by their T&Cs. 

garth549

Unfortunately you agreed to a contract so it's unlikely you'll be able to get out of it easily.

Do they have any provision in the T&Cs to defer studying (and payments)?  If not they may still agree to this if you explain the circumstances.

Point out to them that consumer contracts have to treat customers fairly.  It's not unreasonable to ask to defer due to a change in circumstances such as this IMO.

TJ1107

garth549 said:

Unfortunately you agreed to a contract so it's unlikely you'll be able to get out of it easily.

Do they have any provision in the T&Cs to defer studying (and payments)?  If not they may still agree to this if you explain the circumstances.

Point out to them that consumer contracts have to treat customers fairly.  It's not unreasonable to ask to defer due to a change in circumstances such as this IMO.

Thank you. I can defer, and there may be a possibility to stop payments whilst I am deferred,not guaranteed though. The deferral is a maximum of 12 months and I don't forsee my situation being resolved within that time though.

Guess I'm going to have to try and juggle everything. Was hoping not to though as my own mental health has already suffered due to the circumstances. 

Thank you for replying