Debt firm staff trained to calm clients suicidal over mortgages

The Independent

The staff of an Irish debt resolution agency are being trained in suicide prevention counseling by Samaritans. The move comes in response to the increasing number of stressed and worried mortgage holders threatening to take their lives due to high debts and fear of losing their homes. The Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation has been receiving at least five such calls per week. The surge in distressed calls during the past few months may be caused by confusion and worry due to recent changes in the Central Bank’s Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears. Some mortgage holders affected by the changes have been receiving threatening letters ordering them to give up their homes.

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