Crisis / HTT suggesting pyramid scheme / MLM as a work option?

[RockerTheQuokka]

So, I've had some contact with these teams recently; things have been a bit of a mess but both teams were aware one concern was being signed off work (which has happened). There's been lots of different people coming and going and lots of repeating myself - but mostly people have been great. However, one of the people that visited alone suggested I look into Pyramid Schemes / MLM to bring in income (just been signed off) as I raised I was concerned about future income.

At the time I was a bit too sedated to really think about this, but now it feels like an utterly stupid thing to be advising for patients with mental health problems.

I am unsure whether I should feedback that this happened, bearing in mind I may need to access the teams again, and because I will have to work with people from these teams in the future.

WWYD? YANBU - Raise something, YABU - Don't say something.

pyramid schemes are a scam. You make money by getting money of others who have been tricked in to thinking they will get something. They then do that to others.

I would stay well clear

Oh, I realise they are a scam - that's my concern. That they are being suggested to vulnerable people.

Definately agree with you. Worth reporting

Thanks. Thought so but slightly not functioning at 100% yet.

I would complain

Definitely feedback. Until recently I worked in a crisis team and would want to know that a colleague making such an unhelpful suggestion would be pulled up about it. It makes the job so much harder when you have to spend time tactfully un-advising stupid suggestions from colleagues!

It might be worth contacting the charity Money and Mental Health (founded by Martin Lewis so it's legit). I'm not sure if they've done anything specifically on MLMs but they may be well placed to advise.

Thank you - I'll contact Money and Mental Health.

Yes, thankfully I have another team involved as well who do more of the day - to - day things (when it's needed) so I could speak to them but, I also know how they exploit vulnerable people... And it's a bit weird that it was suggested only when someone came alone which has caused a bit of red flag.

Report it.
I was going through a dark time with depression a few years ago and told the therapist the crisis team referred me to I was so tired of things when I was driving it felt like it would be easier to let go of the wheel and go off the road, their suggestion was I get out and try something new like learning to fly. I literally couldn’t speak for the rest of the session as they clearly didn’t get it.
I didn’t want to report it at first as I thought theyd take it personally and discharge me from the service, but did as if they know about it they can act and offer training and deliver a better service to others who might not be in the right headspace to take the suggestion with a big pinch of salt

The member of the team who recommended it, was possibly involved in an MLM themselves and was trying to recruit them as a downline? Very dodgy. Needs reporting.