For over 50 years, we have provided help and support for people severely affected by mental illness. From campaigning for fairer treatment to delivering flagship services, we put lived experience at the heart of everything we do.

We understand that recent circumstances including the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis have caused a significant strain on people's finances and their mental health as a result. Research has demonstrated the links between economic inequality and mental health, with growing numbers of people experiencing money worries and the related impacts to their mental wellbeing. 

We hosted a webinar to address these concerns and share the great work that is currently taking place across the country within communities to help support individuals directly. This webinar was Chaired by Richard Tandoh (Expert by Experience) with speakers:

  • Jasmine Wyeth, Rethink Mental Illness
  • Monique McGoey, The Log Cabin
  • Cassandra Geisel, Rethink Mental Illness
  • Ashleigh May, Mums on a Mission
  • Morag Campbell, Rethink Mental Illness

What did the webinar cover?

This webinar explored insights from our recent research and the impact the cost of living crisis has had on individuals living with severe mental illness as well as the wider voluntary and community sector. We know that local and national services are vital in supporting people at this time. This webinar gave space to hear from those in the sector on what they have experienced, what is currently working, and what needs to change by making asks to system leaders.

We also shared resources for certified and free advice and support that are currently available which you can access below:

Signposting pack - National (colour copy)
Signposting pack - National (black & white copy)
Signposting pack - North-West London (colour copy)
Signposting pack - North-West London (black & white copy)

Where can I find out more?

During the webinar we heard from Monique McGoey, Fundraising Manager at the Log Cabin, and Cassandra Geisel, Community Co-Production Officer at Rethink Mental Illness, speaking about the work emerging from the suicide prevention grants programme in partnership with North West London ICS. For more information on the Log Cabin and their work supporting families and children with additional needs or disabilities, you can visit:

Website: https://www.logcabin.org.uk/
Facebook: @LogCabinCharity
Twitter: @LogCabinCharity
Instagram: @LogCabinChairty
Email: info@logcabin.org.uk

If you are a community group/organisation based within the 8 North-West London Boroughs and would like to find out more about the grants programme and how to apply, please email communitygrants@rethink.org. We also have a community based model for awarding microgrants if any commissioners would like to find out more or to get in contact with the Community Mental Health Unit team directly please email CMHFsupport@rethink.org.

We also heard from Ashleigh May, Community Leader & Founder of Mums On A Mission, a voluntary organisation led by mothers with lived experiences of mental health and the impacts of poverty. Ashleigh shared some of the work being done across London and West Yorkshire to support local communities thanks to grant funding from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Calderdale Healthy Minds. Here are some links to find out more about Mums on a Mission and to show your support:

Website: www.mumsonamission.co.uk
Facebook: @mumsonamissionltd
Instagram: @mumsonamission_
Twitter: @Mumsmission_
Email: info@momsonamission.co.uk

How can I get involved?

If you have questions related to the content of the webinar, or if you would like to hear more about the work of the Community Mental Health Unit at Rethink Mental Illness, please email CMHFsupport@rethink.org