Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS)

If your patient is receiving mental health crisis treatment and struggling with debt, free help is available.

The Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS) is a statutory programme that provides people with problem debt a temporary break from the organisations to which they owe money.

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About the Service

Mental health issues and problem debt often go hand in hand. In fact, more than 1.5 million people in the UK are experiencing both.

Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS) is designed to relieve this pressure. By pausing most creditor action whilst receiving crisis treatment, patients can concentrate fully on their recovery.

You can refer someone if they are receiving qualifying mental health crisis treatment in England or Wales and are struggling with problem debt.

Start an MHCBS referral

How to Refer?

Referring someone to MHCBS is a straightforward process that can be completed using our online portal, accessible here.

You can refer someone to the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space if you are a:

  • Approved Mental Health Professional
  • Care-Coordinator
  • Mental Health Nurse/Key Worker
  • Social Worker
  • Independent Mental Health Advocate
  • Independent Mental Health Capacity
  • Relevant Person's Representative.

If you need support, please get in touch:
E: support@mhcbs.co.uk
T: 0800 987 4110

Start an MHCBS Referral
Referral Process MHCBS-Web

Upcoming Events

1. Webinar 28 November 2025: Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space: Supporting People in Crisis Care

Join us for a 30-minute webinar about the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space service (MHCBS). We will be discussing what the service entails, the eligibility criteria, statutory regulations, and how We Are Group delivers the service. 

We will also be holding a Q&A, where you can ask any questions you have to help you better understand the service and the role Mental Health professionals play in its delivery. 

Register for the free webinar here

2. Webinar 11 December 2025: How to Refer to MHCBS: Debt Respite for Clients in Crisis

How do Mental Health professionals refer patients to the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS) service? That is what we’ll cover in this 30-minute webinar.

We will guide you through the eligibility criteria and explain how the online portal has simplified the process of referring clients to MHCBS.

We will also discuss how to perform manual referrals and the support available to you when using either method.

The session will end with a Q&A, where you can ask any questions you have to help you better understand the service and the role Mental Health professionals play in its delivery. 

Register for the free webinar here

Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS) is a partnership service delivered by We Are Group and Toynbee Hall. We Are Group is the lead delivery partner, supporting access and coordination of the service. All regulated debt advice, including all communications relating to Breathing Space Moratorium, is provided by Toynbee Hall, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).