Looking after your health during the cost of living crisis
Check out our tips on how to look after your health during a cost of living crisis.
Prioritise your health. If you have a chronic condition, a new illness causing concern or feel under the weather, seek the appropriate professional healthcare support. Many pharmacists can support you with everyday health concerns, meaning you may not need to visit your GP. You should only go to a hospital in an emergency.
Take your medication. Many of us take medication to stay healthy and manage existing health conditions. With the recent increase in prescription charges, rationing medicines to save money may seem like a good idea, but it can lead to health complications in the long run. You might be eligible for support with your prescription with a Prescription Prepayment Certificate. Prescriptions are free for those over 60.
Keep your appointments. Please attend any pre-arranged or regular appointments with your GP, dentist, optician or hospital. If you're worried about the increase in transport fares, check out what support is available when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services here.
Talk to someone. The Sheffield Mental Health Guide contains information of organisations who can offer support with mental health along with different resources and activities.
Get the support you're entitled to. Make sure you're getting all the benefits and grants you're eligible for. Citizens Advice Sheffield is a great place to start if you want help on anything from housing to debt management. You can also telephone their advice line: 0808 278 7820.
Speak to Sheffield City Council who have a support and advice page about the cost of living crisis as well as a household support fund. You can find out more here or call 0114 273 4567.
Seek help from a food bank. Many people buy less food because of current financial pressures, which can significantly impact physical and mental health. If you're struggling to feed yourself or your family, there is no shame in asking for help from a food bank. You can find a list of food support information in Sheffield here.
Find a welcoming place. Set up and run by community groups, charities or voluntary organisations welcoming spaces are where people can go to stay warm in the colder months. Find a list of local welcoming spaces here.
Speak to us. Need advice and information about health and care services, or want to know what support is available from your local council? We are here to help you. Find out how to contact us here.
Need more support? Check out these helpful links for further advice and information on coping with the cost of living crisis:
Hygiene poverty is on the rise. Are you affected?
Hygiene poverty has steadily risen since the start of the pandemic and has only worsened during the cost of living crisis. A reported 4.2 million adults in the UK are now affected in 2024.
People with disabilities, or long term health conditions, those from lower-income backgrounds, younger adults and those from ethnic minority backgrounds are amongst those most affected by hygiene poverty.
If you are struggling to afford personal hygiene products, help is available:
Bloody Good Period provide free personal hygiene products that can be collected from some community services such as food banks and drop in services.
