There has been much written about the Cost of Living crisis and by now all of us are feeling the pinch financially owing to the increasing cost of energy, fuel, goods and services. However, for some people these circumstances can also trigger mental health problems such as stress and anxiety, low moods or depression and even panic attacks.

If you are starting to feel these symptoms the first call should be to NHS 111 or your GP surgery.  You can also make use of the other sections on the main menu of this website if you need mental health advice and information, someone to talk to or local face-to-face support.

There are also a range of other sources of support specifically in relation to the cost of living.  In this section we look at some useful resources that can help guide you through the current climate and signpost you to people that can help.

You can get information and links about benefits, support with food, bills and debt and warm spaces you can visit on the cost of living section on the council’s website link here.

You can also:

• Call the Citizens Advice line for free: 0800 144 88 48 or visit their website

• Call the Footprint Trust for help with energy saving advice.  Contact them on 01983 822282 or visit their website

• Find general Island support, advice and events visit Isle Find It website

• Find information about the cost of living support on the UK government website

There are also local holiday activity programmes for children and young people of families receiving income related free school meals, where a hot meal is also provided.  Details can be found on the council’s website here.

You can also find some useful information on the Mental Health Foundation’s Cost of Living Blog.

Children and Young People may also pick up on the challenges of the Cost of Living crisis and may be worried about how it might affect them and their family.  Young Minds have some useful information on their website, including tips on how to talk to your children about it.