YourNews: EastEnders praised for tackling debt and mental health

One of the UK’s leading free debt advice providers has praised EastEnders writers for helping to highlight the link between financial problems and mental health.

Over the past few months, viewers of the BBC One soap have seen character Lee Carter struggling with mounting debt, taking increasingly drastic measures to try and get his finances back under control.

Unable to cope with the rising pressure, the character, played by Danny-Boy Hatchard, has been seen suffering from depression, culminating in a suicide attempt. Lee has since confided in his father, and Queen Vic landlord, Mick Carter and the coming weeks will see Mick try to bail out his son, leading to serious financial troubles of his own.

Commenting on the powerful storyline, Jane Clack, money adviser at PayPlan, said:

“We actually saw an increase in calls in December 2016, compared to the previous year. I think it’s fair to say that part of this could be due to EastEnders.

“Debt affects so many people from all walks of life every single day, but still remains largely a taboo subject. The stigma is lifting but it’s slow progress.

“The storyline in EastEnders is helping to highlight the impact that debt can have on a person, not just on their finances but on their physical and mental health as well as the impact it can have on their family and those close to them. It makes you question the desperate lengths that someone in debt might go to and will hopefully spark many necessary conversations across the UK.”

PayPlan’s own research of individuals in debt shows that 91 per cent admit to feeling stressed about their finances, 82 per cent acknowledge regular bouts of anxiety, 60 per cent suffer depression and 62 per cent experience insomnia.

Having suffered serious debts herself before starting to help others via PayPlan, Jane knows the brutal reality of living with extreme money worries.

“The truth is that many people are embarrassed and, just like Lee, try and keep up a lifestyle, without letting anyone know the truth. We’ve seen Lee pushed to his limits and, as uncomfortable as it is to watch, it’s a very real situation.

“We know there’s more to come in the storyline and we know that Mick will pay Lee’s debts for him, without contemplating the impact on his own finances. We’ve seen this happen time and time again, as a parent’s natural instinct is to help out their child, regardless of the consequences.

“EastEnders is helping to lift the stigma/taboo and encourage people to speak out and seek support, and that can only be a good thing.”

At the end of 2016, PayPlan joined forces with mental health charity SANE in an attempt to highlight the reality of having a debt problem and the support available to people struggling with their finances and their mental health.

For free debt advice, visit www.payplan.com or call or call 0207 760 8976.