Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space

Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space is an eLearning programme that helps health and care professionals understand how to support people who may need a Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS). The programme consists of one eLearning session and explains how the scheme works, how it protects people in problem debt, and how professionals can support applications and referrals. 

 

Intended audience 

This learning is for health and care professionals in England and Wales, including: 

• Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) 

• Health and care professionals who may be asked to give evidence for an MHCBS application 

• Professionals who respond to requests from debt advice providers 

• Staff supporting people experiencing mental health crisis and problem debt 

 

Key areas covered 

The session explains: 

• What a Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space is 

• How the MHCBS scheme protects people in problem debt while they receive mental health crisis treatment 

• How to complete the required evidence form 

• How and when to refer someone to a debt advice provider 

• The role of the nominated point of contact 

• Where to find further guidance and support 

• How to help people in debt who are not receiving mental health crisis treatment 

 

Learning objectives 

By the end of the session, learners will be able to: 

• Explain what the MHCBS scheme is and who it is for 

• Describe the protections it provides, including pausing enforcement action and freezing interest and charges 

• Complete the evidence form correctly 

• Know when and how to refer someone to a debt advice provider 

• Understand the importance of the nominated point of contact role 

• Signpost people to further help and guidance