Pembrokeshire FRAME: Link between money and mental health
Frank Farrer, who works as part of the Community Fuel Guidance Team at Pembrokeshire FRAME, has highlighted the connection between financial struggles and mental health issues.
His comments come during Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from May 12 to May 18.
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) conducted research in 2022, which found that three-quarters (74 per cent) of people with mental health issues struggle to keep up with bills and payments.
The research also revealed that 91 per cent of people with mental health problems avoid talking about money.
Mr Farrer said: "There's a massive link between money and mental health.
"When you're financially stressed you might not sleep, which makes it even harder to think straight, make decisions, or even feel confident enough to ask for help."
Mr Farrer supports people across the county who are experiencing fuel poverty, helping them make sense of their energy bills, benefit entitlements, or budgeting.
He is part of the Money Guiders Service, a self-development programme by MaPS, which aims to help those who give money guidance to deliver support confidently and effectively.
He shared an example of a woman who was overwhelmed by a form for Adult Disability Payment.
Mr Farrer said: "She was completely overwhelmed and couldn't even look at it properly, all she could do was fill in her name and address.
"But when we sat with her and broke it down step-by-step, it became manageable.
"That's the kind of support that helps ease anxiety around money."
The theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, organised by The Mental Health Foundation, is 'Community'.
Mr Farrer said: "Community is everything.
"Being part of a community means you're visible, trusted and approachable.
"When we attend local events, we're not showing up in suits with clipboards—we're there to chat, to listen."
He added that meeting people face-to-face in informal settings like cafes or events helps people feel comfortable to open up about money.
Liz Clarke, chair at Pembrokeshire FRAME, said: "Pembrokeshire FRAME are incredibly proud of Frank and Sue in the Community Fuel Guidance Team.
"They are ideally suited to this project, bringing a positive and understanding approach to people with diverse financial challenges.
"In the last 12 months, they have given guidance to 2,065 families.
"We are tremendously grateful to Wales and West Utilities for continuing to fund this work which has helped so many people in our community, making a difference by making savings."
For anyone struggling with money, Mr Farrer recommends visiting MoneyHelper for free and impartial government-backed guidance and tools to help manage finances.
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