RVS research sends 'stark' cost of living crisis warning

FEARS about the cost of living crisis over winter are taking a major toll on Scotland’s health and wellbeing, a new study has claimed.

Recently published research by leading health and wellbeing charity, Royal Voluntary Service, and long-term partner, Yakult, explored the impact of the current cost of living crisis as winter starts. It found that not having enough money to live on was the greatest fear facing more than half (56 per cent) of Scottish respondents surveyed.

Most fearful of these financial pressures were respondents living with long-term health conditions (65 per cent) and those of working age (61 per cent).

As winter begins in earnest, keeping warm was another major cause for concern. Almost two thirds of respondents (63 per cent) were worried about not being able to heat their home, with 57 per cent cutting back on home heating to save money. More than a third (39 per cent) were worried about not being able to buy food, rising to almost half (49 per cent) of those with long-term health conditions or living alone (42 per cent).

One in five (21 per cent) were reducing the number of hot meals they cook, while 90 per cent of respondents thought that the cost of living crisis would have a negative impact on the life expectancy of older people.

Inevitably, the cost of living crisis is having a profound impact on personal health and wellbeing. Over half (58 per cent) of respondents said their mental health was suffering as a result, rising to 68 per cent of those with health conditions. 56 per cent said they felt anxious at the thought of facing the winter ahead and 45 per cent felt depressed about the crisis, with 31 per cent of those with health conditions worried about Covid-19, too.

An extremely worrying 35 per cent said that they had no-one to turn for advice about their health and wellbeing over the winter, rising to 39 per cent for those living with long-term health conditions.

To support people facing the challenges of the winter ahead, Royal Voluntary Service and Yakult have produced the Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide. The guide includes vital information such as money saving advice, Covid advice, how to keep active and eat a healthy diet, how to ensure your home is gas safe, who to call in a power emergency, contacts for mental health support, and where to find essential NHS contact details. The advice in the guide is designed to help people better manage the risks that are exacerbated by the current conditions and time of year.

Sam Ward OBE, Deputy Chief Executive at Royal Voluntary Service, said: “These stark findings are a sobering reminder that there are some very vulnerable people out there.

"The combined pressures of the cost of living crisis and winter health challenges are the perfect storm, and Royal Voluntary Service is committed to doing all we can to support those most in need. On the ground, our staff and volunteers are supporting people at scale in hospitals, at home and in local communities across the UK, through one-to-one support, in groups and online.

"With Yakult’s generous support, we are able to share our Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide far and wide. We hope it will be a useful resource in times of need.”

View the Stay Safe, Warm and Well Guide and an informative video at https://virtualvillagehall.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Throughout winter, Royal Voluntary Service and Yakult are also hosting a series of events via the charity’s Virtual Village Hall, a free online activity hub and community