Mental Health Awareness Week: Kerry’s* story

Mental Health Awareness Week is a time to reflect on the often unseen challenges individuals face, particularly those living with long-term mental health conditions. This years’ theme is Community, and it was through her local community that Kerry* was provided with life-changing and compassionate support.

At 43, Kerry is a single mother raising her six-year-old son, who is currently awaiting assessments for ADHD and autism. As if the complexities of parenting alone were not challenging enough, Kerry must also manage her enduring mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder. The financial strain of meeting her child’s specific dietary needs, compounded by essential household appliances such as her cooker and fridge not working, added further layers of difficulty to her daily life.

A Complex Financial Landscape

When Kerry was referred to Maria, her money and energy advisor funded by the British Gas Energy Trust, she was already contending with nearly £12,000 in debt. Her financial circumstances included council tax arrears, a maxed-out overdraft, and a dependence on informal loans from family and friends to manage daily expenses. The constant pressure was taking a toll on her mental health, leaving her in a near-constant state of distress.

Maria adopted a holistic, client-centred approach to Kerry’s situation. One of the first actions she took was to apply for a Standard Breathing Space Moratorium, affording Kerry 60 days of reprieve from creditor enforcement. This period provided much-needed breathing space and allowed Kerry the opportunity to begin rebuilding her life.

Building a Foundation for Change

Maria worked diligently to ensure that Kerry accessed the financial and practical support she was entitled to. This included applications for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for Kerry and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for her son. These benefits offered crucial financial relief, helping to stabilise the household budget.

Attention was also given to Kerry’s housing situation. Faulty electrical wiring in her flat posed significant safety concerns and exacerbated her stress. After her landlord was reminded of their legal obligations under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations, urgent repairs were made, and Kerry’s oven was restored to working order; an essential improvement that enabled her to cook proper meals for her son.

Tailored Support for Long-Term Stability

Maria recognised that Kerry’s mental health often made it difficult for her to keep appointments or complete tasks, so she adapted her support to meet Kerry where she was. She helped Kerry open a secure basic bank account, applied for the Severe Mental Impairment Scheme to eliminate her council tax liability, and registered her for Homefinder, to access safer and more affordable housing options.

In addition, Maria helped Kerry access a range of essential services and cost-saving measures, including the Priority Services Register, social tariffs for water and broadband, and practical energy-saving advice. She also referred Kerry to schemes including the British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Scheme, and Kerry was able to receive a new fridge/freezer and vouchers for energy and household support.

These practical interventions were complemented by the creation of a manageable budget, which enabled Kerry to reduce her outgoings and regain a sense of financial control.

A Transformed Future

Through 138 individual interventions and eight home visits, Kerry’s situation improved dramatically. She was awarded PIP for daily living, received backdated payments for both PIP and DLA, and saw an increase in her Universal Credit to include the child disability premium. Additionally, her application to the Household Support Fund and the implementation of various cost-saving strategies led to significant financial relief.

The most transformative milestone was the approval of a Debt Relief Order, which eliminated £11,972 of her debt. In total, Kerry’s financial position improved by £34,347 over the course of one year—an extraordinary achievement, made possible by dedicated, person-centred support.

Kerry’s journey is a poignant example of how mental health and financial wellbeing are deeply interconnected. Her story, shared during Mental Health Awareness Week, underscores the importance of accessible support systems, expert advisors, and policy frameworks that recognise the unique needs of individuals living with mental health challenges.

*Name has been changed to protect identity.

To find money and energy advice local to you, please click here.