Council concerned for residents’ mental health as cost-of-living crisis continues

Swansea Council say they’re offering specialist mental health support to thousands of residents, households and families who may be struggling emotionally as the cost of living crisis starts to take hold.

The council has launched a new one-stop-shop cost of living website that includes a section on mental health that acts as a signposting service to organisations that provide expert help.

Council staff also attended an event earlier this week to coincide with World Mental Health Day.

Hosted by the West Glamorgan Regional Partnership, the event highlighted the link between the cost of living crisis and people’s mental health, emphasising the need to make information and advice about looking after emotional well-being available to as many people as possible.

Cllr Alyson Pugh, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, said: “The cost of living crisis means many people in Swansea will be wondering how they make ends meet financially, but we also recognise the impact these worries can have on people’s mental health – especially as winter begins to set in.

“As a council, we’re here for Swansea. As well as the many thousands of winter fuel support payments we’re processing for local people every week, we’ve also set up a dedicated mental health page on our new cost of living website for anyone who needs signposting to sources of expert advice and guidance.

“From the health service to the third sector, many organisations are on hand to help in Swansea, so we’d encourage anyone who needs support to explore the help that’s available.”

The council also has a team of Local Area Co-ordinators out and about in Swansea, helping communities and people of all ages overcome challenges such as loneliness and pointing people in the direction of groups, activities and support they may need.

As well as ways people can save money, other sections of the new cost of living website include a page on free or low-cost events and activities people can enjoy in Swansea. A list of city parks and beaches is among the information available, giving tips on places where people can enjoy being outdoors.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)