A Darwen man is looking to set up a mental health support group for people suffering with loneliness after lockdown and those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Graham Carter works in education and has 20 years’ experience working in social services, counselling and mental health services.
His extensive background in mental health has exposed Graham to the negative impact the economy and employment issues has had on people in the area.
After speaking to various people, Graham decided he wanted to try and help people who may be struggling.
He said: “We’re in a bit of a mess really because of the cost-of-living crisis and problems with unemployment.
"We went through two years of lockdown and lost contact with people with isolation and a lot of us are struggling.
“Whether people are from more deprived areas or affluent areas, everyone’s very worried and there’s high levels of stress and mental health issues and anxiety.”
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy found 66 per cent of therapists say cost of living concerns are causing a decline in people’s mental health.
Graham added: “One of the things that has been highlighted by the people I’ve been speaking to in my work, is that people are struggling to get access to local services.
“There’s a huge shortage of professionals and a huge waiting list to get access to help because of the knock-on effect of covid and the huge backlog.
“People are living from hand to mouth basically, and they’re very unsure about their jobs and whether they’ll be able to get through the winter.
“I know I’ve got lots of skills and knowledge about health and wellbeing because of my work so I want to start up a group where people can access contacts and finding out where people can get support.”
Graham set up a website called Bright Home Support to launch his mental health support group. The group is a “friendly and welcoming space to share concerns and offer clear practical strategies about how we can all move forward in these challenging times.”
He is currently looking for a venue to host weekly sessions in Darwen to begin running the sessions. Online sessions will also be offered to try and make the sessions as accessible as possible for people who may not be able to meet in person.
Martin Bell, head of policy at BACP said: "Our research shows the cost of living crisis is already having a significant impact on the mental health of the UK population.
“People are already making difficult decisions about what they choose to pay for, and this will have devastating consequences on their mental health and wellbeing.
"What our members are already seeing in the therapy room is just the tip of the iceberg of how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting people’s mental health.
“We fear this will only get worse over the next few months and is on top of the growing mental health need which arose from the pandemic.”
Graham is looking for a venue to hold the weekly sessions and is eager to collaborate with people who want to help run the mental health support group.
To find out more information you can visit the Bright Home Support website here or contact Graham by emailing info@brighthomesupport.co.uk
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