My partners aunt was a nurse who retired only a few months before Covid was (officially) a thing in this country. She came out of retirement immediately to go back to the front lines, caught it and died.
Didn't have the strength to address Melvins stories last night and I'm playing catch up on this thread so apologies if this repeats any other comment, but on the off chance anyone on here needs to hear this.
Debt is the one problem in life for which there is always a solution.
Sometimes the solution is tough to hear but it's entirely dependent on circumstances. Often times the solution is more bearable than you'd think and you could have several options to choose from as to how you tackle your debt. Either way I guarantee you will feel better once you start to tackle the problem and engage the services of a money adviser to act on your behalf. You do not have to pay for this type of expert help (in fact please dont) when there are so many sources of free service. Legislation differs on debt solutions depending on which of the 4 nation's of the UK you live in. If you are looking for help, try this.
1. Do you have a local CAB? CABs can only assist people living in the local authority area they serve. If you have a CAB in your LA area, ring them and ask if they provide money advice. If they do, make an appointment. If they don't, they will signpost you to the nearest agency that will provide this free service. This will often and most likely be your Local Authority itself.
2. If council tax debt or rent arrears is part of your debt issue, DO NOT be put off at the notion of the Local Authority adviser helping you. The money adviser works for YOUR benefit NOT their employers. The service is impartial regardless of who you owe money to.
3. If for any reason you do not feel comfortable using the CAB or LA (cos your nosey neighbour / Mum's pal /
twit you went to school with works there) consider the national free services provided by National Debtline (all UK), Advice Direct Scotland, Christians Against Poverty or StepChange.
4. You will not be the "worst case" a money adviser has ever seen. No-one ever is. The service you get is NON JUDGEMENTAL, confidential and impartial. Always.
Disclaimer: I am not myself a money adviser, but I have 25 years working "adjacent" to it.
I truly hope that helps anyone who needs it