Mental health support as cost of living spirals | News and events

Help is at hand for those suffering with mental health issues due to the pressure of the rising cost of cost of living.

It’s estimated that 7.8 million people – or six in 10 adults – in the UK are finding it hard to keep up with their bills, according to the Financial Conduct Authority, causing anxiety and worry.

The Wellbeing services in Norfolk and Waveney and Suffolk have launched a new online workshop, Coping with Financial Stress, in which experts share simple Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to help calm the mind and overcome stress and worry.

The workshops are free and will be held every Tuesday from 10 January until 21 March, 6-7.30pm. Those who log in will not be seen and can remain anonymous.

Wellbeing also offers one-to-one support to people over 16 without the need for a diagnosis or a visit to a GP. People can self-refer from the website 24/7 and one of the team will be in touch within three working days to arrange the first appointment to chat with a therapist and make a support plan.

“We just want people to know where to come if they need help. On the back of a difficult couple of years with the pandemic, this is another testing time for all of us and it’s completely understandable to be feeling worried or stressed right now but do please seek support if you need it – that’s what we’re here for,” said Dr Tuija Juusti-Butler, Wellbeing senior psychologist.

“There are plenty of appointments available and we’d encourage anyone that has felt a change in how they feel, perhaps feeling stressed, worried or low, or just having less interest in doing the things they would normally enjoy, to get in contact with us.

“We may not be able to help people financially, but we can certainly help them to cope and navigate through this challenging time.”

Wellbeing is run in partnership with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Mind, Relate, Shaw Trust, MTCIC and Suffolk Family Carers.

For more information about Wellbeing or to self-refer, visit the Get Support page on the Wellbeing website or call 0300 123 1503 (8am-8pm, Monday to Friday). To book a place on the workshop go to the Coping with Financial Stress section under online courses and workshops.