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Table 3 Summary of main themes and findings

From: Seeking help in times of economic hardship: access, experiences of services and unmet need

Themes and Subthemes

Theme 1 Service Provision

Theme 2: Informal Support

Theme 3: Unmet Need Sub-themes:

Theme 3: Mental Health

Sub-themes:

   

-Employment and benefit agencies

 

Practical Guidance through system

 

-Independent/charity services

 

-Benefit and debt information

 

-Health services

 

-Co-ordinated services

 

Main findings within each theme

Most participants highlighted that accessing services could be difficult

Participants who had self-harmed reported fewer sources of support, and less supportive social networks than the community sample.

All groups indicated that practical help for financial and benefit issues would have helped/would help – especially the clinical group.

Participants who had self-harmed reported a stronger belief that they should be self-reliant in the face of economic and mental health difficulties than the community sample.

Free debt advice, when it could be accessed, was considered the most useful service

Participants who had self-harmed reported more difficult circumstances such as benefits changes or sanctions.

All groups wanted straightforward and clear information about services available and how to access them. Co-ordination between services would help.

 

The community sample reported more knowledge of how to access debt advice (as expected) than the participants who had self-harmed – although both groups had sought similar types of help

 

All groups felt that help for current and past mental, emotional and physical difficulties was necessary