In 2012, Toby was involved in a car accident that left him with long-term health difficulties, including a brain injury. By 2023, he was overwhelmed by debt.
He said, “Life was full of anxiety and fear with debt hanging over my head. I didn’t know what to do, so I ignored it, and it kept piling up.”
Toby’s Supported Housing Officer put him in touch with our Cost of Living Support service. This is a partnership between DENS, Liberty Tea Rooms and Community Money Advice, funded by Trussell, providing free support to local people facing financial difficulties.
To begin with, Toby received emergency parcels from the DENS Foodbank to ensure he did not go hungry and had essential household provisions.
A debt coach at the Liberty Tea Rooms then helped him build an accurate picture of his financial situation – gathering up-to-date information about his income, expenditure and debts. The service’s Debt Advisers then used this information to produce guidance specific to Toby’s situation, and recommended he begin a debt management plan.
“They helped me with everything, even understanding terminology I’d never come across before,” added Toby.
The service negotiated payment plans with all of Toby’s creditors on his behalf. Toby began making one simple monthly payment to the service, to be distributed fairly between his creditors. This payment support is completely free to anyone who needs it.
Toby explained, “I don’t have to worry any more. My payment goes out automatically and my debts are going down every month.”
He also met a Debt Coach every fortnight at Liberty Tea Rooms to help him stick to his budget and build healthy money habits.
This worked well for a few months, but then Toby fell into bad company and got into trouble with the police. His Debt Coach introduced him to the Occupational Therapist (OT) on placement at the Liberty Tea Rooms at the time. Between them, his Debt Coach and the OT were able to arrange support for Toby as he navigated the court system, help him develop healthy coping mechanisms and introduce him into new, positive support networks – as well as helping him get back on track with his debt management plan.
Now, Toby is well on his way to becoming debt free. He has a new, positive support network through a local church, and is feeling confident as he faces the future.
“This time next year, my debt will be gone and I can move into independent accommodation. I can start working towards the life I really want,” Toby concluded.
Please note: Toby’s name, image and details of his story have been changed to protect his anonymity.
Story published 4th September 2025.