With the widely reported rise in the cost of living, mental health experts are warning of the potential impact on people’s mental health and are advising them to speak out and get help.

Experts from Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust are encouraging residents from across the region who are worried about the rising cost of living and increased pressure to cover the costs to not suffer in silence and reach out for help.

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is urging anyone suffering with their mental health to contact its Crisis Line on 0800 953 0110 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Holly Eggboro, Acting Strategic Lead at Mindsmatter - a talking therapy service run by Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust said: “The increases in the cost of living have been sudden and sharp and are really causing a significant problem for many people across Lancashire.

“We recognise that we are living in a time of great uncertainty and worry and that our services are more important than ever for people struggling.

“We want to reassure people that support is available in various ways so please do call the Crisis Line or self-refer via the Trust website.”

The Trust has sourced a range of self-help guides covering a wide range of topics including anxiety, depression and low mood and sleeping problems, and an app is also available on both Apple and Android devices - by searching LSCFT – self-help or just LSCFT – in the App store.

Full details of services available from Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust are available on the website.