Cheltenham Samaritans branch appeared on Channel 4 news last night as part of their investigation into the impact of the cost of living crisis on mental health.
As the cost of living crisis continues, Samaritans receives a rising number of calls from those whose mental health is being affected by financial concerns.
Cheltenham and District Samaritans branch was featured on Channel 4 news last night as part of their discussion of the impact that this is having. Our volunteer Joanna explained that housing, cost of living, lack of services, and long NHS waiting lists are all having an emotional impact on callers: "There is a lot of distress out there that can actually be traced back to money and the cost of living crisis."
Julie Bentley, Samaritans CEO, explained that there are known links between times of economic recession and increased levels of poor mental health and depression. It is important to have spaces to address people's depression and anxiety.