Almost a tenth of first-time callers to the Samaritans helpline were concerned about finance or unemployment last month.
Volunteers at the charity received an average of 400 calls a day relating to money or jobs in February, according to its own analysis.
It means 9.7% of first-time callers contacted with such worries - up from 9.3% in January, which was already a new record.
Ahead of Jeremy Hunt ’s budget announcement tomorrow, Samaritans is calling on the Government to invest more in suicide prevention and mental health support.
Julie Bentley, chief executive of Samaritans, said: “Our volunteers are on the front line when it comes to supporting people facing some really tough moments and while there can be many challenges to be faced, we’re seeing just how much the cost-of-living crisis in particular is starting to hit home.
“It is therefore crucial that suicide prevention receives meaningful investment from the Government.
“There’s no doubt Jeremy Hunt has a tough job to balance the books, but suicide rates in England remain as high now as they were 20 years ago, and this simply isn’t good enough.
“I urge the Chancellor to use this Budget as an opportunity to genuinely help save lives and put a firm financial commitment behind their plans for a new suicide prevention strategy.”
It comes as three in five Brits believe tomorrow's budget is unlikely to improve the UK economy, according to a fresh Savanta poll.
Three quarters (78%) support a further extension of the energy bill support scheme, while just 4% oppose it.
Almost half (45%) say that corporation tax should be increased, with only 25% saying the basic rate of income tax should be increased.
However, a third (32%) say the basic rate of income tax should be decreased.
Six in ten (62%) say the additional rate of income tax on earnings above £150,000 should be increased, while half (54%) say the higher rate of income tax, for those earning between £50,271 to £150,000, should be increased.
Chris Hopkins, political research director at Savanta, said: “ This Budget does not have the makings of a 'classic' in terms of headlines and intrigue, but it's another opportunity for Rishi Sunak and his economics lieutenant, Jeremy Hunt, to further push their sensible, pragmatic and considered approach to managing the country and its finances."
"While there may not be any rabbits to come out of the Chancellor's hat, this poll implies that the public do not expect much from the Budget at all which, given the chaos of late 2022 and the improving poll ratings for Sunak and his government, may be no bad thing."
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123.
Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
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