Tackling the ‘cost of living’ in Merton

Seventeen organisations were on hand giving expert advice and information helping nearly 200 residents with ‘help to claim’ energy grants and welfare benefits, school holiday and food programmes, debt management, employment opportunities and health and wellbeing support.

Staff engaged residents in conversations about positive mental health and asked them to talk about ‘one thing that they were grateful for’. This encouraged attendees to discuss issues such as debt, loneliness and social isolation. The team offered stress management techniques and tips to help maintain good wellbeing alongside access to IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) groups and services, and our Mental Health Crisis Line. Visitors were also encouraged to sign up for work opportunities within the Trust by joining the Staff Bank. One attendee who spoke with the team said,

“I’m so pleased that I met you guys today, I feel like I’m going away with something really positive.”

More information about some of the services offered at the event can be found below:

24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line

The Trust’s 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line 0800 028 8000 offers urgent mental health support. Our crisis line team are trained NHS mental health professionals who will help you to get the care and support you need.

The crisis line is open to everyone: both children and adults of all ages, and to people who haven’t previously accessed mental health services.

Merton Uplift

Merton Uplift is one of three IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) services run by the Trust. IAPT services, also known as NHS talking therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.

Merton Council

Cost of living advice, support and more can be found on Merton Council’s website here. You can also sign up to their e-newsletter for updates on the cost-of-living crisis.