Digital mental health support (Coronavirus update)

Aim

Universal Credit benefit applications are online-only, a significant added hurdle for many people with mental health problems. We can help.

COVID-19 update

The economic impacts of Coronavirus are meaning many more people are going to rely on benefits like Universal Credit, so our project to support vulnerable people to apply online will now be needed more than ever before.

What’s the problem?

The benefits system has changed, meaning almost all benefits are being brought under the Universal Credit umbrella. You can only apply for Universal Credit online.

2019 data showed that almost 500,000 people nationally needed specific support to apply for Universal Credit, a vital lifeline, due to the digital exclusion this has created.

Although some such support is available in Stockport, feedback from our service users - reinforced by discussions with local DWP staff - indicates significant need for specific additional support for people with mental health problems to navigate the system. 

The 2016 JSNA (Joint Strategic Needs Assessment) for Stockport states that 6500 people with a mental health diagnosis claim benefits, and 40% of people receiving Out Of Work benefits receive these due to their mental health (who may not have a diagnosis). For those who do claim, Work Coaches have high caseloads and short appointment slots, and there will be additional people out there who have not claimed benefits at all, due to the barriers in place.

So on both fronts there is a significant need for wrap-around, in-depth, specialist one-to-one mental health Universal Credit support in Stockport, to complement existing options which can come under heavy strain.

Money worries can tip people who generally manage their mental health into a state of inactivity and anxiety, leading to missed appointments, isolation, and sometimes a downward spiral. By nature, those who are not in work are potentially less likely to have internet access or the skills to apply for benefits - the cruel irony of this situation.    

Many people already struggle with form-filling, and new online systems mean some people are navigating this with huge difficulty. A February 2020 BBC article – Thousands of depression cases ‘linked to universal credit’ – references a new study which has added to the “mounting evidence of substantial mental-health harms related to universal credit”.

 Our solution

We want everybody to be able to access vital benefits, not just those who can navigate online systems. Therefore, to work towards inclusivity and ensure people can support themselves and their families, we would provide a specialist one-to-one service around Universal Credit applications, for anyone in Stockport with a mental health diagnosis. 

This would be an in-depth, wrap-around service to ensure everyone in Stockport with a mental health problem gets the support and respect that they need and deserve. 

The support will be offered in an environment appropriate to individuals, which could be our central Stockport premises, people’s homes, libraries, or local community venues. The objective is to get people to the point where they can manage the system themselves, and where appropriate, that they are capable of helping others.

The funding would allow us to run this project for one year, with a view to gaining additional funding to continue or increase what is on offer in future.

Who are Stockport Mind and what do we do?

We’re a small mental health charity with a responsibility to provide support to a large population. We’re local and independent, with an affiliation to Mind nationally. We receive no core funding from the national charity and must raise our own funds locally.

We work towards a society where anyone who experiences mental distress is supported in their recovery, empowered to reach their full potential, and they and their family/Carers are free from stigma and discrimination. 

With a small staff team supported by loyal volunteers, trustees and supporters, we consistently punch above our weight and go above and beyond to try to ensure people get the support they need. Our service has become smaller recently though, and we know there are additional services people in Stockport need, that we don’t currently provide.

Our current core services include Carers Support, a project around reducing social isolation and loneliness, an information/signposting service, social groups, training and corporate support and awareness events. 

This service would be a crucial addition to what we can offer, so we would be delighted if this crowdfunding project is successful in reaching its target, on behalf of those who will benefit from it. 

Quotes from service users/Carers

Although we’ve never had a service specifically supporting people around online Universal Credit applications, we have previously supported people around welfare benefits where possible, within broader projects. The following quotes give a flavour of the value of such support:

Mental health Carer – “I wanted to thank you so much for your help. We simply couldn’t have done this without you. We’re delighted that our son’s struggle has been recognised and the payments will now give him dignity and self-respect. I know it had played on his mind. This wasn’t helping with his anxiety and depression. This takes the pressure off us financially, as we have been subsidising him for years. Things will be easier now.” 

Service User under former 1-1 service - “I had no idea what I was eligible for. Application forms for benefits are so daunting, having to write down all these things. My worker discussed what I might be eligible for, went through the forms with me, and helped me apply. You can have a bit of a racing mind sometimes with mental health issues - having someone to help translate what’s coming out of your mouth can be massively helpful. Just having that support there is so reassuring.”

Here are some quotes about the value of our work more generally:

“I owe my life to this service. I don’t think there’s an aspect of my life that hasn’t benefited from being supported.”

“Invaluable. Literally saved my life, as I was in despair and suicidal. Stockport Mind has made such a positive difference to my lonely, isolated, disabled, chronic pain-filled life. My deepest thanks.”

“Stockport Mind has been there when all other agencies failed me. With an open door and a big smile, I was made welcome, reassured and not to mention, saved from myself. Without Stockport Mind I would be lost like so many. Thank you Stockport Mind and all your wonderful staff.”

How we would spend the money

If we were successful, the funds would primarily be spent on the salary of the worker, in addition to other smaller costs including recruitment, travel and transport, promotion, management, building and office.

If you would like more detailed, specific information from us as to how we would spend the money, please do get in contact and we will be more than happy to provide details. 

This project successfully funded on 15th July 2020