A BIT ABOUT US

Beat the Bailiffs and the Banks was created in August 2013, after some friends and I attended the first attempted eviction of a family in Oldham. After a 4 hour standoff the Bailiffs went to their next job in Hollingworth, a 5 minute drive away. 

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Later on that afternoon we made a call to the Bailiffs to ensure they wouldn't be returning. We were informed that the man at the next property they visited had hung himself in his porch as he saw the bailiffs coming up his path. This poor soul died 5 days later in intensive care. This tragic event shocked us all and it gave me the wake up call needed to create Beat the Bailiffs and the Banks. 

I wanted to create a place where people could come together and learn from each other's experiences without being judged. Just speaking about your problems can be the hardest step due to the shame associated with debt. This is compounded when people have mental health issues which can isolate them further and have a detrimental effect on their wellbeing. 

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The remit quickly widened to include all types of debt e.g. TVL, Council Tax, Parking tickets, Tax credit overpayments, rent arrears, HMRC, utilities etc. The group expanded quickly, 4500 members in less than 10 months but it was just the tip of the iceberg. We now have over 100,000 members in our Facebook group and should reach 150,000 before we are 6 years old. 

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I wanted people to feel empowered enough to act and get 'Boots on the Ground' to stave off evictions until a resolution could be found. I also wanted to expose the fraud and double standards within the financial industry and the evolution of slavery through economic hardship leading to modern day debt slavery. 

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Thank you to the Admin Team (past and present), Trusted Members, and Members alike for all your efforts in helping to make Beat the Bailiffs and the Banks the success it is today.  I know can be difficult and stressful at times but remember ALL storms pass, don't let the bastards grind you down.  

Warmest regards

Chris

-Founder.