Many of us are starting to feel the pressure and worries of the cost of living crisis as winter approaches. At No5, we are aware of the impact it may have on our lives and on our mental health and wellbeing, so we have compiled a list of resources and services below for Young People, Uni Students, and Parents.
Young People
You may be feeling worried and anxious about the cost of living crisis and how this may affect you and your family. Below are some blogs that we think may help to understand what the cost of living crisis is and explain what support is currently being offered to families in England.
It is important to remember that there is a lot of support available, especially for families, and as a young person it is not your responsibility to have lots of worries and concerns about your family’s money or to ‘make it better’.
It is okay to feel worried or anxious as the world around us may be feeling difficult, new, or unknown, but it is important to share these feelings with a trusted adult (this does not have to be a family member) so they don’t become too big and take up all your brain space!
Newsround – Explanation of what the cost of living crisis is
Childline – Advice on worrying about money and how it can make you feel stressed or anxious, and it can be hard to know what to do
New Beginnings – Warm Bank and Community Larder
No5’s Useful Links – Signposting to organisations where you can talk about how you are feeling and more!
University Students
You may be feeling worried and anxious about the cost of living crisis and how this may affect or is affecting you as a uni student. Below are some useful links to blogs and organisations who are giving information, advice and support on the cost of living crisis, specific for university students and includes tips on meal planning and budgeting.
BBC Food – Budget friendly recipes
University of Reading – Student information, advice and support (if you attend a different university it may be worth checking their page for advice aimed at you and your area)
Save the Student – Useful advice, information and support on all things about money specific for students
New Beginnings – Warm Bank and Community Larder
Olio – free food and non-food items from members of the local community
Too Good To Go – Discounted food from stores at the end of day / end of food service. Includes some hot meals as well as groceries
No5’s Useful Links – Signposting to organisations where you can talk about how you are feeling and more!
Parents and over 18’s
You may be feeling worried and anxious about the cost of living crisis and how this may affect or is affecting your family. Below are some useful links to blogs and organisations who are giving information, advice and support on the cost of living crisis, including how to discuss what the cost of living crisis is with your family.
Young Minds – T
Young Minds – Money and Mental Health
Mental Health Foundation – Looking after your mental health during the cost of living crisis
Winter Watch (RBC) – Available to Reading residents who are on a low income and either over 60, have very young children, have a disability or health concerns, have never lived independently, or struggle financially
Money Matters (RBC) – Advice and signposting to support around money for residents of Reading Borough Council
Cost of Living Support Hub (WBC) – Advice and signposting to support for residents of West Berkshire Council
Citizens Advice – Help with the cost of living crisis
New Beginnings – Warm Bank and Community Larder
Olio – free food and non-food items from members of the local community
Too Good To Go – Discounted food from stores at the end of day / end of food service. Includes some hot meals as well as groceries.
