Mental health

The Life Rooms are an initiative by NHS Confederation member, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. The Life Rooms model focuses on learning, social prescribing and community, and is a preventative service that improves the health of the local population – which in turn, reduces the pressure on clinical services. The Life Rooms are held in local buildings such as libraries, community centres, and during the pandemic, were also hosted online. They offer courses for positive physical and mental health, as well as practical one-to-one support in areas such as employment, housing and debt, in inclusive, safe environments. 

Since the cost-of-living crisis began, the social prescribing service has seen an influx of people seeking support with debt, finance, housing and mental wellbeing issues. Mental wellbeing issues that present at the service increasingly focus on support with benefits, emergency funds, or food and fuel costs. Older adults are also approaching the service for social interaction. In addition, there has been an increase in working-age adults visiting The Life Rooms since it opened warm hubs. 

Rethink Mental Illness, an NHS Confederation Mental Health Network member, as part of the Mental Health UK group of charities, provides the Mental Health and Money Advice Service via an online advice centre, which includes a section on the cost of living and mental health. It provides information about how financial challenges may impact on mental health, and how to manage money problems given the rising cost of living. 

In addition, the NHS supports and part funds a variety of voluntary sector organisations to deliver crucial services to support people and their mental health related to money concerns, particularly in times of crisis.

42nd Street, partly commissioned by Greater Manchester ICS, is a voluntary organisation for young people aged 13-25. It provides services such as improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT) and help and advice on a range of issues including concerns about money. 42nd Steet is a member of Youth Access, and is a youth information, advice and counselling service with hubs around the country (online directory).

No Limits is a voluntary organisation partly commissioned by Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICS. It is based in Southampton, providing a wide range of support for children and young people, including counselling. It also provides a drop-in advice centre, where people can get help with debt, money management, housing and other welfare concerns, and are members of Youth Access. 

Mental Health Innovations, a digital mental health charity, run the 24-hour helpline Shout. This is a free service for people who need mental health support. The Shout website has articles, blogs and resources for people struggling with their mental health, tools for dealing with the cost of living and anxiety. The service receives support from Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership.