If you’ve ever been in a mental health crisis, you’ll know how overwhelming everything can feel — and money worries often make it even harder. That’s where the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS) comes in.
MHCBS is a statutory programme that gives people in mental health crisis treatment a break from creditor action if they also have problem debt. In simple terms, it puts a pause on most debt enforcement so people can focus on getting better — not fighting bills, letters, and phone calls.
While someone is in Breathing Space, creditors have to stop most action. No pressure, no chasing, no court steps. On top of that, people can also access free, independent debt advice, which helps them get back on their feet when they’re ready.
Who Is Eligible for Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space in England and Wales?
To be eligible, someone needs to:
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Live in England or Wales
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Be receiving qualifying mental health crisis treatment
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Have problem debt
If that fits, MHCBS could offer a really important window of calm during a very intense time.
For more details, you can visit mhcbs.co.uk or email [email protected].
Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space: Progress and Impact Since 2025
In January 2025, We Are Group, Kaleidoscope Group, and Toynbee Hall took over delivery of the service. One of the first big steps was bringing in an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) to strengthen specialist support and improve how the service connects with mental health systems nationally.
That led to a strong focus on awareness and education. The team started:
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Running webinars
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Attending conferences and events
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Publishing articles in social work and financial magazines
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Reaching out to crisis teams, AMHP services, local authorities, and community and in-patient services
The aim? Make sure professionals knew what MHCBS is, who it’s for, and how to refer people properly.
By the end of 2025, some big foundations were in place:
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A new online referral portal
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Fewer difficult customer service conversations
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Clearer signposting for eligibility
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Stronger partnerships with AMHP and local authority services
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Three national webinars with over 200+ bookings (and growing)
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More talks and presentations to community mental health teams
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And a steady rise in referrals toward the end of the year
Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space in 2026: What’s Next for the Scheme
Now the focus shifts to scale and culture change.
In 2026, the goal is to:
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Increase referrals across the country
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Make guidance clearer for professionals
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Review some of the regulation terminology so it’s easier to understand
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Roll out more training opportunities — ideally mandatory e-learning for mental health and social care workers
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Work directly with NHS and Social Care leads to embed MHCBS into everyday practice
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Connect with senior professionals so the service filters down into teams nationally
The bigger vision?
To make MHCBS a normal, expected part of how mental health and social care systems work — not something people have to “discover” when they’re already in crisis.
By the end of 2026, the aim is to see:
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Higher awareness
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A stronger knowledge base
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More referrals
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And more people actually receiving the Breathing Space they need
On top of all that, HM Treasury will also be carrying out its five-year review, which makes this a really important moment to show how vital this service is.
