With the cost of food, rent, utilities and other household bills still rising, many of us are feeling the pinch.
The annual Survey of Londoners by London Councils and Ipsos found that the cost of living was the most important issue facing Londoners in 2024 and research by StepChange Debt Charity shows that more than half (59%) of adults in Great Britain often or sometimes worry about money.
Vikki Brownridge, CEO at StepChange Debt Charity, comments, "It's clear that millions of people across the UK are feeling the weight of financial uncertainty. The cost of living, including stubbornly high energy bills, continues to impact families, individuals, and communities, with particular strain being felt by women and those with parental responsibilities."
With money problems a major cause of mental ill health, the rising cost of living has also been devastating for people with mental health conditions. As the Centre for Mental Health says, it's a "vicious circle... that is proving impossible to escape".
If you’re struggling financially and things seem overwhelming, you can take small steps to help you stay mentally healthy. The team at Good Thinking, London’s digital mental wellbeing service, has written this article to give you some practical tips and links to support organisations. We hope that our advice and free resources help you to get through these challenging times.