I’m looking for a little advice regarding debt. I’ve name changed for this as don’t want to be judged as I’m a frequent poster and have turned my life around massively.
When I was 18 HSBC offered me a £1000 overdraft which I stupidly took! I’d never had a credit card/overdraft and didn’t really understand what a default was and what the implication were. I met my ex boyfriend at 18, was regularly using cocaine at 19 and ended up getting two credit cards, one catalogue and pay day loans for us. It makes me feel sick now. For about two years I didn’t pay anything back but recently contacted all my creditors large amounts as I wanted the debt clearing. I lost my job recently, panicked and cancelled all my direct debits to ensure I had money to see me through the month. I have around £3,000 left to pay.
I haven’t told my OH, he knows theres a little debt I have but now we’re serious about getting a mortgage. I have six defaults on my credit rating so I have absolutely no chance and probably never will, so it will be in his name but I’ll give him money towards a deposit. He knows I was in an emotional, physical and financially abusive relationship with my ex and have worked very hard to better myself. I got away, went and stayed with parents in South Africa and did some charity work and found myself. They know of my debt but can’t help and wouldn’t expect them too.
I earn £20k and don’t have much disposable income as have a car finance and bills to pay, but I’m willing to pay at least something each month. Do I get a debt management plan? A debt relief order? I want to be able to have a little left over each month and I’m scared they’ll try and take every penny (rightly so but even still I’d like a life to buy some foundation each month!) 
Again, please no judging, I don’t speak to people in RL regarding this as I’m so embarrassed. I can’t face telling a friend. 