First ever financial wellbeing course launched for mental health
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has become the first in England to receive funding to offer the programme to people receiving inpatient mental healthcare.
Various studies have found that there is a strong link between money concerns and poor mental health. For example, last year Champion Health discovered almost 40% of people with a mental health problem say their financial situation worsens it. In an attempt to combat this, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) have launched the first financial wellbeing programme for people receiving inpatient mental healthcare.
Two peer support workers have been trained to deliver the course of which 25 patients at the Linden Centre and Crystal Centre, Chelmsford are enrolled on. The aim of the programme is to assist more than 250 patients by the end of March next year.
Part of the Department of Education’s national Multiply programme – a three year initiative from the Department for Education to put funding behind reaching adults who do not yet have a maths qualification – and funded by Essex County Council, the scheme includes group sessions about budgeting and managing monthly finances, creating positive relationships with money, and how to manage income-related anxiety. All participants also have a one-to-one session to talk about their specific situations and any support they need.
‘There are many reasons why people may have money worries, and this can have a real impact on their mental health and wellbeing,’ said Matthew Sisto, EPUT’s director of patient experience and participation.
‘Our mental health inpatient teams care for people with complex needs, and concerns about money can make them more vulnerable.
‘The Multiply programme aims to give them more confidence in managing their finances, which will in turn have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.’
Renee Conley, inpatient peer support team lead, added: ‘Two peer support workers who are now Multiply facilitators have worked diligently to tailor this programme to fit the very complex needs of our inpatient service users.
‘Challenges with money is a consistent theme for many of them.
‘Financial concerns can be an immense stressor, leading to increased vulnerability.’
‘There is a noticeable shift in people’s mental health when they feel in control of their money,’ he said. ‘That is what this programme provides – empowerment with their finances.’
Image: EPUT
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