Joan

Joan, 73, thought she was doing her friend a favour when she volunteered to sign a guarantor agreement for a friend’s loan. She had no idea at the time that it could lead to her losing her home.

Joan, who has asked that we protect her identity, has lived for many years in small home near Worksop – a home she has no mortgage on and a home she expected to live in for the rest of her days. But when her friend defaulted on her loan her house quickly came under threat.

The subprime lender soon filed for a possession order on Joan’s home – leaving her facing the immediate and terrifying prospect of homelessness. They then planned to sell it to recoup a loss of just £3,800 – leaving Joan in dire straits.

She explained: “I was absolutely terrified. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep... I just kept thinking about how I would survive if they took my home from me. I was going to be made homeless because of someone else’s debt. I had no family to fall back on and just didn’t know where to turn.

“I have worked hard all my life and never asked for anything from anybody. I just couldn’t believe the situation I found myself in.

“I felt sure they were going to take my home – all because I made a mistake in signing that form. I really can’t thank Framework enough for what they have done for me.

“They stood up for me when I needed them and they helped me find a solution to my problems. Because of their help I now know that I can stay in this house until I die.

“If anyone finds themselves in a similar situation I would urge them to contact Framework. Even if you think things are hopeless there is always something they can do to help you.”