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This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and it aims to highlight the worry that many people are feeling about spiralling costs.
Pressure around how we’ll get by and support our families means our mental health is often pushed to the bottom of the list, but we can’t ignore the impact this has.
Poverty and mental health issues have a two-way link so the charity Mind has tips about how to break that cycle.
For local mental health support, a round-up of information and links is available on our website, including tips for self-care and an online directory for local mental health services.
Our Five Ways to Wellbeing leaflet also has a simple round-up of five ways to improve wellbeing in our daily lives.
North Somerset-based organisation We Are Aware is a local community interest company which raises awareness of mental health, suicide prevention and wellbeing. It has groups in Portishead and Clevedon, as well as a closed peer support Facebook group, We Are Aware Isolation Support, and public social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter.
Free magazines are also available to our library members, including Planet Mindful, which features ways to boost your mental and physical wellbeing and mindfulness techniques to help us live free from anxiety.
Download this magazine and others through the Libby app. If you’re not a library member yet, join for free through LibrariesWest.
Cost of living support if you’re struggling
Last week the Bank of England increased its interest rate for the 12th consecutive month, to 4.5 per cent.
It did this to try and stem the rate of inflation – which charts rising prices – which still stands in double digits as food prices reach a 45-year high.
The increased rate means further pain for homeowners so if you, or anyone you know, is struggling please contact your landlord or mortgage lender as soon as possible to let them know.
Free, independent and confidential advice on a wide range of matters, including housing, debt, benefits and law, is available through the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
It now has a shopfront in the Sovereign, in Weston-super-Mare, as well as outreach locations across North Somerset.
The National Debtline agency may also help you to apply for ‘breathing space’ to sort out your debt problems.
Find out if you’re also entitled to any additional benefits to boost your income.
If you, or someone you know, is being threatened with homelessness due to rent or mortgage arrears, contact our homeless prevention team, who can find the most appropriate support and advice.
If you’re worried about the rising price of food, the Better Health North Somerset website has guidance and advice, as well as links to local community fridges for discounted food.
The Too Good To Go app is also a way to get food at a great price and avoid wastage.
You could also sign up to weekly emails from Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert for his latest advice.