A leading mental health organisation in Derbyshire is calling for greater awareness of the link between severe mental health struggles and the cost-of-living – ahead of the predicted energy price increases this winter.
Following the announcement by the International Energy Agency that prices are expected to increase again this winter, Everyturn Mental Health – a non-profit that provides talking therapy services across Derby and Derbyshire – is working to raise awareness of the support available to anyone struggling with their mental health as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. They want to ensure the right mental health support is available to anyone before the pressures of winter and increased bills add any further pressures.
Evidence indicates that an increasing number of severe mental health conditions are due to financial pressures, with data showing that the Derby and Derbyshire regions having a greater percentage of people living in fuel poverty compared to the national average (14.3% vs 13.1%).
The Office for National Statistics also found that 24% of people who struggle with paying energy bills are experiencing moderate or severe depression – a statistic that’s three times higher than for those who found it easier to pay bills. The same study also found that 59% of people experiencing moderate to severe mental health symptoms are also worried about not being able to save up any money in the next 12 months.
To address these increasing statistics Everyturn Mental Health is raising awareness, calling for anyone who is struggling with their mental health due to the continued cost of living crisis to seek help as soon as possible. People in the region can refer themselves to free NHS talking therapies online, on the phone, or via their GP. The non-profit has seen an increase in referrals into its service due to financial issues year on year, and it predicts that numbers will continue to rise as the weather gets colder.
Everyturn’s Chief Executive, Adam Crampsie said: “Data shows that the cost-of-living crisis is having a huge impact on people’s mental health, and we have seen an increase in people accessing our services with anxiety over their financial situation. With energy prices due to rise again this winter, we’re concerned even more people are struggling and not seeking the support available to them.
“Our free NHS talking therapies service is for anyone who is struggling; not just for those who are at rock bottom. It’s vitally important that everyone reaches out and gets help sooner. Our service is completely free and can be accessed online, via telephone, or through your GP.”
For more information, and to self-refer into Everyturn’s service, visit www.everyturn.org or call 0300 555 5580.