Concern over impact of cost of living on people with severe mental health issues
A York woman who has psychosis and an eating disorder has been telling us about how prices increases are impacting her life
We've been investigating how the rising cost of living is having a devastating effect on some people with severe mental health issues.
Hazel lives just outside York and has a psychosis and an eating disorder.
It means that advice to shop around for a bargain or to swop brands just isn't possible. She tells us "I can't just switch foods, I buy the same food every week and I have done for years because I essentially have safe foods and just to make it more complicated I'm also autistic so I can't just change brands. It's a massive issue for me and I just can't do it."
She also says the stress of the rising cost of living could cause another episode of psychosis "It's triggered by stress and high emotions, it hasn't happened yet, but I'm really worried it is on the horizon."
Mental health campaigners have called on the Government to make sure the most vulnerable people in our society are getting enough support. Ministers say they're going to offer a 'comprehensive' package - including a £400 discount on all energy bills in October on top of £650 pounds to people on means-tested benefits.