How the cost of living crisis affects the people Guideposts supports – and how we can help.

The cost of living crisis affects us all – but it is hitting those on the lowest incomes the most. Many of the people Guideposts support are unable to work and face extra costs because of a disability, making them particularly vulnerable to price rises.

This is by no means the first cost of living squeeze we have seen in our charity’s history. We are well-placed to deliver targeted support that is tailored to our members’ needs:

Financial Advice & Advocacy

With most information moving on­line, those with learning disabilities or who are otherwise digitally excluded can find it hard to find out what sup­port they are entitled to.

Staff across all of our services are doing all they can to help on an individual basis, and topics they advise on can include how to budget, where to find better contract deals, what services are free to people on benefits, as well as how to access different types of food banks and community larders.

In one recent case we helped Peter, who has a learning difficulty and suffers with anxiety and depression. He had applied and was turned down for PIP (Personal Independence payments) 3 years ago, but after several support sessions, helping him to complete the form and describe fully how his condition affects his daily living, his recent application was approved. 

The award means that Peter can live a better life: as money ran out every month, he used never to be able buy clothes and used food banks regularly.  Now he has bought a new set of clothes and has even been able to afford a haircut, so he feels better about how he looks, and doesn’t use the food bank any longer.

Mental health support

As we saw in the pandemic, calls to support lines increase during times of crisis. Our Coaching services are currently supporting people with complex mental health needs in Gloucestershire to manage anxieties around finances and keep their mental health steady during this difficult time.

In our activity groups we usually encourage people to be with us in the group activity, which helps them to take their mind off their other worries for a little time.  They can then benefit most from the time, and usually feel much better and ready to face things afresh afterwards.

Coming together as a supportive community

Even if our members aren’t directly affected by financial difficulties, we are all affected by the news and want to try to help. At Henry Smith House the team have set up a food donation box where those who are able can donate items to the local food bank. It benefits everyone’s wellbeing to feel that they are helping others, and can see themselves as a participating member of a wider community.

To support Guideposts’ work, please visit www.guideposts.org.uk/get-involved and discover how to get involved by donating, fundraising, and volunteering.