A recent report found that the Cost of Living Crisis would have a very similar, adverse effect on mental health as the Covid-19 Pandemic. The fact is, a cost of living crisis is also a mental health crisis.

For people living in poverty, it is more than just ‘heat or eat’. The pressures on whatever income you may have, mean that you are less able to take part in activities which bring you pleasure; you’re likely to find it tough to maintain friendships and other social contacts; you are probably going to struggle to sleep well. Even if you live near to areas of outstanding natural beauty, you may not have transport to get there. The fact is, all the things which we know are good for our wellbeing, and which can support us while we experience poor mental health, are often out of reach for those on low incomes. And the cost of living crisis means that this affects many more people than ever before.

Places like Jean’s Bothy are revolutionary in providing affordable, creative activities to benefit everyone - the whole community in fact - because when we get together and support each other in our mental health and wellbeing, everyone wins.