Over the past year, fuel and energy prices have soared taking huge bites out of our pockets, on top of increased rents and food prices. The financial squeeze has been felt by everyone in the UK.

Everywhere you look, you’re reminded of the cost of living crisis. The news, social media, and your personal bank balance offer stark reminders of the current reality.

People are reducing car journeys and taking up cycling, there are those cutting out yearly holidays and in the most challenging of circumstances, people have to choose between heating the house and food items.

It’s only natural that this type of environment is having a serious impact on stress levels. For some, it’s exacerbating mental health illnesses, addictions, and physical ailments.

The crisis is placing strain on family dynamics and relationships as family members are forced into working more hours to cover bills.

Our infographic outlines how the cost of living crisis is impacting particular groups’ mental health. We highlight people of working age, those who are retired, those with disabilities, and those with dependent children to name a few.

We’re living at a time where the cost of living has increased more in 2022 than it has in the past 40 years. That’s a huge amount.

We designed an infographic to illustrate the impact the cost of living crisis is having on the nation’s mental health:

Local writers and photographers invite you to celebrate Tooting’s life and townscape at ‘Tooting in pictures’ at Tooting Market 6.00-7.30pm Monday 19^th December (in the main seating plaza area.) 

Photographer Amy Adams and author Finn Fitzpatrick will talk about their work. Amy’s book ‘Wild about Tooting and Furzedown’narrates the past and present of Tooting, capturing people, places and our treasured green spaces. Finn’s books include thrillers, history and biography. 

Local historian Geoff Simmons will recount his tales of Tooting Market. Geoff’s heritage walks, including a further ‘Planet Tooting’ walk on 18^th December, have brought alive Tooting’s past to hundreds of us. 

There will be mulled wine and the chance to sample Tooting gin. The owner of Graveney Gin, which produces award winning organic spirits, will tell the story of how it all began. 

The event is free but to reserve a place, book at  

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tooting-in-pictures-come-and-join-the-celebration-of-planet-tooting-tickets-482478174207

For more information about Amy and Finn’s work, see:

You are invited to the Food themed evidence gathering session for Wandsworth Cost of Living Commission, on Thursday 15 December 2022, 2-5pm at St Peters Centre in Battersea. Light refreshments will be provided. Invited guests will be able to provide their perspective on the COL crisis and related food issues.

This session will involve various stakeholders in the Voluntary Community Sector in Wandsworth sharing insights and experiences on food insecurity in the context of the cost-of-living crisis, and the lived experiences of the people they support, followed by discussion with Commissioners on different issues within this focus area. The meeting will involve:

1. Introductory Context
2. Trends & Impacts
3. Lived Experiences
4. Discussion and Additional Evidence required

We hope you are able to attend this meeting. Please can you confirm your attendance by emailing Peter Quirk at peter.quirk@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk or Alice Addison at alice.addison@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk with your name, the organization you are representing and any additional guests you would like to bring.

The workplace has changed for people and organisations. In the last few years, we’ve seen a global pandemic, economic downturns, cost of living pressures, adaptation to hybrid working, the great resignation and a recruitment crisis. It has taken a toll on employees, and now – more than ever – they need mental health support in the workplace. 

Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders®) are crucial to helping boost employee wellbeing as we adjust to a profoundly changed workplace environment. MHFAiders® are essential to maintaining employee wellbeing. Our training is grounded in proven techniques and developed with clinical practitioners to ensure we provide the best course content possible. Learn more at http://www.mhfaengland.org

Training open for staff and volunteers from Voluntary and Community Sector Groups, Carers of adults, Health and Social care staff.

11th and 12th January 9-5pm
Trainer- Kirstie Sheehy   kirstie.sheehy@yahoo.co.uk
Online Training Via Zoom
Registration via this link

17th and 20th January 9-5pm
Trainer- Kirstie Sheehy   kirstie.sheehy@yahoo.co.uk
Online Training Via Zoom
Registration via this link

30th and 31st January 9-5pm
Trainer- Kirstie Sheehy   kirstie.sheehy@yahoo.co.uk
Online Training Via Zoom
Registration via this link

22nd and 23rd February 9-5pm
Trainer- Kirstie Sheehy   kirstie.sheehy@yahoo.co.uk
Online Training Via Zoom
Registration via this link

The courses have been commissioned by Wandsworth Borough Council and there is no cost for the delegates or organisations.