An update from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
People with mental health problems live on an income that is, on average, £8,400 lower than those without mental health problems every single year.
This is the headline from their Mental Health and Income Commission which published its final report recently. That persistent low income drives people into problem debt, leaves families going without essentials limits, limits our potential at work and further exacerbates poor mental health. It’s not a new problem but it has been more obvious in the face of the pandemic and looks set to get even worse without urgent acion.
The Mental Health Commission was set up to address the complex issues which incorporate everything from benefits policy to employment discrimination, mentoring and progression at work to sick pay and flexible working. Experts from business, politics, trade unions and charities worked alongside those with personal experience of mental health problems.
See https://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org/how-to-close-the-income-gap for more information.
