Cost of living
Cost of living Check-in
In our previous community check-in about GP access, people told us about their concerns with the increasing cost of living and that it is negatively affecting their health.
As many people told us about their worries, we decided to investigate this further to find out what impact costs have on their health and wellbeing and whether services are able to help.
In partnership with the Communities of Interest Network, we spoke to services about what they already offer to support people with the cost of living and asked people what support they would like to see.
Highlights
79% of the people we spoke to are worried about the rising prices affecting them over the next few months.
People are struggling to access services either because they do not have digital access, the cost of transport to appointments, the cost of treatment and the cost of prescriptions.
The cost of basic needs such as food, heating and socialising has negatively impacted people's ability to manage existing health conditions and their mental health.
Cost of living crisis
In August 2022, we invited staff from five organisations to reflect on the crisis and the support available for various communities in Leeds.
Thank you to Tom, Danna, Isabell, Anna and Sian who were featured in the video. They are from Burmantofts Senior Action, Richmond Hill Elderly Action, Forward Leeds, Care and Repairs and Carers Leeds.
Help and support
From this check-in, we know that many people are struggling or worried about rising costs. Therefore we have provided information and advice below to help those who are struggling.
If you are in need of financial support and struggling with costs, Together Leeds is helping with the cost of living. The website signposts you to different places that can help, whether that is support with food, heating, warm spaces, water and more.
Click on the button to can find out what support is available and whether you are eligible.
In Leeds, you can access free, confidential and impartial help and advice on a range of money-related matters such as debt, housing, employment support, energy and utilities. The Money Information Centre might be the right place for you to get the financial support you need.
Click on the button to go to the Money Information Centre.
Highlights
Women are disproportionally affected by the cost of living.
39% said that the changes they have made to keep up with the rising cost of living have negatively affected their mental health and 35% said their physical health had got worse in the last two months.
Over 1 in 10 people had avoided booking an NHS appointment because they couldn't afford the associated costs such as accessing the internet or the cost of a phone call.
Leeds and York Health and Care Partnership Foundation NHS Trust developed a booklet which contains information that could help patients and carers through the cost of living crisis.
There is also information about how to get help in a mental health crisis, and how to connect with local community groups that could help you too.
You can view the booklet online or if you are interested in receiving a physical copy, or if you work with people who would find this useful, email communications.lypft@nhs.net
Click on the button to view the booklet.