Families in Newcastle who are struggling with the cost of living crisis can seek help and advice at local events.
Mental Health Concern has organised a number of drop-in sessions where people can speak to services about their issues. They are able to chat to Citizens Advice as well as Your Homes Newcastle and services from Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals.
During their second event at Walker Activity Dome in Walker, the charity was also joined by St Martin's Centre, Independent Age, Building Futures East, Ways to Wellness, Barnados, Warm Works and Together in a Crisis (TIAS).
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Daniel Hamilton, a community and development worker for Mental Health Concern, helped to organise the event on Thursday afternoon. The 47-year-old, from Heaton, said: "People are needing mental health support because of the cost of living crisis.
"We have noticed an increase in the amount of people wanting to make sense of what they're experiencing at the moment. People can't make any sense of it, they are saying 'what am I supposed to do?' People can't see the wood for the trees.
"We need options for people to come to speak to services. That's going to reduce the worry they're experiencing and the stress. It's going to stop people from going into mental health crisis."
Daniel said the charity is being contacted by a mixture of people including those who are working full-time. He said: "The cost of living crisis is not just having an impact on individuals, it's families and the community as well.
"People are scared to go to the supermarkets and go to food banks instead. So people aren't going shopping in supermarkets - you can imagine the impact that has on somebody.
"We have heard about people having to go without electricity for short periods of time and not being able to top up their key meter. They have to choose when to top up and when their electricity and gas is on."
Daniel said that people are also struggling to afford to travel in the city. He said: "People aren't able to afford bus fares to go to a different area, they can't afford to go into Newcastle city centre. They don't have any money for petrol to drive their cars.
"When we came out of lockdown people were asking for help for loneliness and isolation. Now it's anxiety and that's related to paying bills - what are they going to do and how are they going to do it."
Energy advisor Lynne Hunter, 59, from Newcastle, and research and campaigns manager Hannah Cooper, 27, from Sunderland, were in attendance on behalf of Citizens Advice Newcastle. They operate a face-to-face drop in service at Newcastle City Library.
Lynne said: "We have been getting busier and busier and that's true over the whole of Citizens Advice. What we have found is that people don't have enough money for their bills so we are advising people to get their benefits checked because there may be something we can do to make the situation better. It may only be a small amount but it's worth while getting it checked.
"Things are getting more and more difficult for people all the time. Particularly with fuel companies, it's really difficult to get through to them on the phone. People give up, they say they have waited two hours. We can email and phone for you and help share that problem. I think it's going to be a hard winter. It's important that people know that support is out there."
Carly Searle, Volunteer Coordinator for Tyne and Wear at Independent Age, was also at the event. The charity help older people to remain independent and live life on their own terms. They provide families with clear, free and impartial advice.
The 41-year-old, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, said: "We have had a lot more calls from people who are really concerned. It's mainly people not wanting to put their gas and electricity on because they are too scared to.
"It's such a horrible time at the moment. We want to make sure people are getting everything that they're entitled to."
Further Cost of Living support events are being held at the following locations:
Fenham Library - Tuesday, November 1 (10am - 3pm)
Benwell West End Library - Friday, November 18 (10am - 2pm)
Galafield Centre, Newbiggin Hall - Wednesday, November 23 (9am - 12pm)
Fawdon Community Centre - Tuesday, November 29 (10am - 2pm)
Citizens Advice Newcastle is currently looking for volunteers. Anybody who is interested in joining the team can email volunteering@newcastlecab.org.uk
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