Help with Cost of Living

Mental Health / Pensions / Managing Your Money / Cost of Living Help / Money Troubles / Benefits / Pensions and Retirement / Savings

Everyday essentials are going up, you’ve probably noticed your weekly shopping bill has increased. This alongside the highest inflation since the early 1980’s and spiralling energy bills you may be left feeling financially squeezed.

If you are struggling or going into debt to pay your bills, the best thing you can do is take some positive action.

MoneyHelper has created a series of cost of living guides to raise awareness of the help and guidance on offer for those struggling.

These guides will help improve your ability to make informed financial decisions ​across a range of money topics, along with useful tools to assist with vital tasks like prioritising bills, talking to your creditors and planning your budget . In addition, it provides links to further help, including organisations that provide free debt advice.

Whether you’re worried about rising rents, covering higher energy costs or tackling debt, MoneyHelper provides free money guidance from an expert in a range of different formats, such as webchat, WhatsApp, telephone and online.

Also check out the MoneyHelper Recorded Webinar during which Margaret McCloskey, from the Money and Pensions Service demonstrates to EA staff how MoneyHelper can provide us with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make the most of our money and pensions.

EA also have a number of open access Financial Wellbeing webinars, to access please click here

Mental Health Useful Resources

Your Mind Plan offers practical ideas and advice to help you boost and maintain your mental wellbeing. Answer the quick 5-question quiz and the Every Mind Matters widget will give you 5 tailored actions to help you feel more in control, improve your sleep, deal with stress and anxiety, and boost your mood – as well as the option to easily swap any actions and to save the whole plan via email.

Mental Health Helplines & Web Chats

Samaritans
Action Mental Health
Association for Post-Natal Illness Helpline
Aware NI - Support Groups
Aware NI - Online Support Groups
Mind - Side by Side Online Community