A leading mental health organisation is raising awareness of the pressure parents are facing in light of the cost-of-living crisis and summer holidays – calling for anyone who is struggling to get support.
Everyturn Mental Health – a non-profit that provides free NHS talking therapies across Derby and Derbyshire – is concerned that the increasing financial burden of summer holidays will cause a rise in more severe mental health struggles amongst parents and caregivers, after it saw a 28% increase in anxiety in the region earlier this year.
A recent study by a leading price comparison website has shown that more than half of parents (54%) are concerned about the increased childcare costs over the summer, with a third of parents needing to pay for additional childcare during this time. Additionally, the latest ONS data shows that restaurant and café prices are increasing by 9.1% and, despite the recent easing of food prices and inflation, nearly half of UK adults have bought less food in the past two weeks due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
In response to this, Everyturn is asking any parents in Derbyshire who are feeling anxious, stressed, or worried about the increased cost of the summer holidays, to seek additional support so they can feel better. Amongst the range of talking therapy services on offer are counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, webinars, and interpersonal therapy.
Virginia Cornwell, Everyturn Mental Health Derbyshire’s Clinical Lead says: “The summer holidays are always a challenge faced by parents – from spending more money on food and drink and booking the right childcare, to finding ways to entertain children for six weeks. As the cost of living continues to increase, this year is especially hard for many.
“Everyturn Mental Health wants parents to know they are not alone and help and support is available to anyone who is struggling – you don’t have to hit rock bottom to seek help.”
For more information and to refer into the service, call 0300 555 5580 or visit everyturn.org.