With the festive season approaching and cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect households across the country, Beyond Blue and Financial Counselling Australia have launched a new free resource to help people manage their finances and look after their mental health.
The Money and Mental Health Toolkit includes practical tips for managing thoughts and emotions, budgeting, having conversations with banks or utility companies and finding the right support when you need it.
Its launch comes as demand for financial support via the National Debt Helpline phone service remains high, with almost 170,000 calls and chats in the 12 months to the end of October.
Recent results from Beyond Blue’s Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check found financial pressure was the leading cause of distress for nearly half (46%) of all respondents.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO said the festive season could be a particularly challenging time for many people, when financial and emotional pressures often intensified.
“There are so many expectations around this season and that can bring added pressure, especially when money is tight,” she said.
Ms Harman encouraged those experiencing distress not to wait. “There’s always a way forward. Talking to someone can help lighten the load and give you hope that you can get through this.”
The Money and Mental Health Toolkit is available now on the Beyond Blue website beyondblue.org.au