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Getting support
It can feel hard to talk about money problems. And if you've had a bad experience in the past, you might feel as if there's no point trying again. But there are lots of places you could turn to. If you need support with money, your mental health, or both, you might find these suggestions helpful.
Mind's services
- Mind’s Welfare Benefits line – if you need information or support about welfare benefits, speak to a trained advisor on 0300 222 5782 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm).
- Local Minds offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These services include talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
- Side by Side is our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
Support for your mental health
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member.
- Speak to a support worker or health professional, like your GP.
- Access peer support. This is when people use their own experiences to help each other.
- Contact the Samaritans. Money worries can make you feel trapped and hopeless. If you're finding it difficult to see a way forward, you can talk to Samaritans for free by calling 116 123.
I have stopped setting unrealistic boundaries around my spending and being so judgemental towards myself when I spend money.
Support with debt
- Get advice if you’re worried about loan sharks. Stop Loan Sharks provides information and support, and lets you report a suspected loan shark.
- If you need to send a letter to creditors, read these example letters from the National Debt Helpline.
- Contact a debt service near you. Christians Against Poverty provides support with debt and unemployment and lists the contact details of local debt services.
- Contact StepChange. StepChange provides free advice about money problems, debt and budgeting.
I wish I'd known earlier that getting into debt can be part of having a mental health problem. And I wish I'd been less scared to ask for help.
Support with managing your money
- Use the tools on the Money Helper website for people who are living on a squeezed income. These include tools for tracking your spending, saving money and getting help while you’re working.
- If you’re a student, speak to student services or your tutor. They could help you apply for extra grants or bursaries. See our information on managing your money as a student.
- Find a foodbank near you.
- The Mental Health and Money Advice website has guides on claiming benefits when you have a mental health problem.
- Get help with accessing benefits and grants from Turn2Us.
- Speak to someone from Citizens Advice. You could get free advice on your rights around money, housing and legal problems.
- Read tips about managing money from the Money Saving Expert.
- See UK Government advice on managing household, energy and transport costs on the Help for Households website.
Not only did seeking help lift my burden financially, it also helped me mentally. Once I'd decided to make a change it gave me a more positive outlook on life.
This information was published in April 2022. We will revise it in 2024.
References and bibliography available on request.
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