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 |