Cost of Living and Mental Health Support Programme

This collaborative programme will deliver integrated financial, mental health and energy-related support across England and Wales through national and local service delivery. At a national level, Mind will deliver a Welfare Benefits Helpline supporting 8,230 individuals over a 21-month period. The helpline provides expert advice to individuals experiencing mental health problems, supporting them to navigate the benefits system, improve financial wellbeing, and access additional support where required. Advisors will also be upskilled to provide awareness of the Priority Services Register and signpost individuals to relevant energy support services. At a local level, the programme will deliver community-based support through 24 local Mind organisations, supporting 6,000 individuals over one year. Each local Mind will support 250 people, including 100 individuals receiving in-depth one-to-one support and 150 individuals receiving lighter touch support such as group sessions, drop-ins and workshops. These services will provide tailored, flexible support, including financial guidance, welfare benefits support, energy advice, wellbeing support and access to practical assistance such as hardship grants or vouchers. Individuals will also be supported to access schemes such as Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payments and Priority Services Register registration. The overall objectives are to: improve mental health and financial wellbeing outcomes support vulnerable households to manage energy costs increase access to energy safeguarding services, including PSR provide integrated, accessible support across national and local pathways improve awareness of carbon monoxide safety and energy protection.