Your child freedom formula / child anxiety programmes - thread 2

[Psuedoshoes]

Carrying on the discussion of YCFF and other similar programmes...

Link to previous thread:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/child_adolescent_mental_health/4239684-your-child-freedom-formula-has-anyone-tried-it?msgid=108493516#108493516

I have posted as o go along, it is overwhelming. I’m a single mum of a disabled child, trying to hold it all together… so much to say.

My story in a bit more detail

I’ve reported them to trading standards, a nice lady at Devon council is looking into it.(that’s where YCFF, Sam and Martin are based).

I’ve opened a case at Action Fraud… pending

I’ve reported them for breaching GDPR for sending my details to all patients and staff… still pending

I’m trying to find the right place to report them for giving unqualified medical advice, telling my suicidal disabled daughter to stop her anti depressants. Any suggestions?

I recovered 80% of my money via my cc, so I closed/cancelled my small court claim I started to recover my 5k. Long after many requests to resolve via mediation.

YCFF have now started a county court claim against me for just over 10k. VERY STRESSFUL AND FRIGHTENING.

I have abusive and threatening emails from them and lots of documents to help my case, but if anyone has anything that could help please let me know. I’m not sure if I’m alone, but I’m forced to defend myself so here I go.

All recommendations or guidance welcome
Thank you all for your support
I know lots of my messages seem frantic x

Oh @Twoandtwois6 - what a horrible situation for you! Please PM me your number (if you’d like to) and I’ll arrange to call you to see how I can support you best with this and if you like I’ll ask my therapist friend if she would call you to offer her support too.

Oh my gosh Two I'm so sorry you're going through this! Do you have a solicitor? Or have seen citizens advice? I honestly believe that even though they seem arrogant and narcissistic enough to genuine believe they have a case, that this will become the end of them. Anything us on this thread can do to help, please let us know. They need to be stopped.

I feel braver already, thank you

That sounds awful two. I reported them to You and Yours on the radio. Haven’t heard anything back.

Two I wonder if it is worth posting in Legal about the counter claim as people there might be able to advise whether it is just intimidation or whether there is something there. As it is for more than the original fees, are they counter claiming for defamation or something? (That's why I'm anxious about seeing words like ponzi or pyramid bandied around).

Could the GMC advise on who you have to go to about unqualified medical advice?

I woke up thinking about you two. It sounds really fucking stressful for you. It’s terrible that she’s now trying to bully you and threatening small claims. It’s despicable that you now have that added stress on top of everything you had before, particularly as she’s supposed to be caring. Do you have proof anywhere of the 100% cure claims? And your description of what is contained in the programme (not much) shows why none of the current participants can explain what you learn.

@Twoandtwois6

I feel braver already, thank you

Sending big hugs your way, how horrible to have someone like Sam Robins actively trying to make one's life more stressful.

It's likely that there's buckets of evidence out there to show that you were - at the least - mis-sold her 'scheme'. I also consider it likely that it wouldn't be too difficult to prove that Sam Robins obtained your money under false pretences. Her websites are laced with lies and untruths about her experience and credibility, she is one of the last people in the world I'd listen to if I wanted tips on bettering my mental health.

If this was a bricks & mortar establishment I fully expect it would have been shut down well before now by local trading standards. I'm amazed the same laws & standards are seemingly so much harder to apply to an online outfit.

For what it's worth I am sending you my support and happy thoughts, you're very welcome to message me if you'd like me to point out a number of things that would assist you if she persists in targeting you.

I'm so sorry two what a dreadful experience

It just confirms the concerns I have about this company and the tactics they use.

If this was a bricks & mortar establishment I fully expect it would have been shut down well before now by local trading standards. I'm amazed the same laws & standards are seemingly so much harder to apply to an online outfit. This is what I don’t get. Particularly around vulnerable young people.

Not directly on topic.

I just made the mistake on posting on one of those 'anxiety is all made up' threads on AIBU. I've asked MNHQ to delete all my posts. I made the mistake of posting what I thought was an example of something 99.9% of people do without thought that DD can no longer do (to show minute by minute impact) rather than a big 'can't go to school' and got attacked by what feels to me posters deliberately misunderstanding and saying it was trivial. Not strong enough, should never have gone there.

Don’t let it bother you, we all know different. I guess it’s like trying to convince an antivaxer to get a jab. No amount of conversation will help, they are not open to any further learning or truths.
It is so easy to see how our kids got to this position with thought processes and spirals etc. but getting them out if it is so difficult. We all understand so stay strong 🥰

Thanks comfy . This is not a good week for me due to events outside my control. I shouldn't have engaged. have hidden the thread now.

Good idea, we’ve all had weeks like those. Look after yourself too x

Oh teen that sounds hard. It’s really hard not to get upset by posts like that. People have no compassion or empathy.

That's tough teen hope the next few days are kinder to you

The trouble is, that people use AIBU to shout about their preexisting prejudices. There is no space for anyone changing their mind or even listening. It’s just output only.

Hi yes they are counter claiming for defamation and I have evidence of their… ‘we are the only solution’ statements and more. I’ve found a great solicitor who has found lots to work with, I will keep you all posted. I think it was my engagement with trading standards that might have got them to take their website down, I sent them lots of documents and emails. Thank you for all your ideas and support.
Teen, hope you feel better too.

Defamation? That’s absurd. I’m really pleased you have a solicitor. I don’t think I have anything I can offer, apart from emotional support through the process. I don’t have any legal knowledge. Good you have proof of their claims though.

And thanks for getting their website down.

Could be worth reporting to the CQC as it states on their website
All health and adult social care providers that are carrying on a regulated activity, including those providing mental health care, have to be registered with us. They must meet certain legal requirements before they can register. These include the fundamental standards of quality and safety

www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/mental-health-services/how-we-regulate-mental-health-services

I’m now not sure it was me or just me that got their website closed, don’t thank me :) there are lots of individuals and professional parties unhappy with their antics. I am also reassured that we are unlikely to go to court and they are just responding to my now closed claim against them and bullying me, they know I am having to pay a solicitor to protect myself and if on the odd chance we do go to court I have lots of material evidence against them.

More importantly I’m not scared of their threats anymore, I am more concerned with the families financially tied into their scheme, so invested in the programme for their own income and flimsy support that holds them together. They will be devastated by the effects of YCFF falling apart. They will have paid for the ‘non therapy’ coaching and might have got themselves dependant on the promise of or the realisation of an income from this unscrupulous marketing machine.

Lunde thank you for that tip for the CQC, I WILL follow up! I've just learnt how to do bold in more ways than one

Still off topic: Just wanted to update that the 'events outside my control' went better than I could have anticipated. DD coped, with support, really well in a social setting for close on 5 hours. It gives me hope for college in Sept.