Skyrocketing energy bills will create a 'huge mental health crisis' this winter, NHS leaders warn

Soaring energy and food bills will create a “huge health crisis” this winter, putting further strain on services and jeopardizing “people’s chances of life”, NHS leaders have warned. across England, said there was a direct link between deprivation and increased demand for care.

The need for mental health services has already skyrocketed over the past last year with adult referrals hitting a monthly high of 425,000 in March and 1.2 million adults are also waiting for community mental health care.

Ms Cordery told The Independent: "We are going to see huge mental health crises emerging from the cost of living challenges we face, as we know the direct link between deprivation, unemployment, potential homelessness, child poverty and increased demand for mental health services."

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"We saw this a few years ago with the changes to Universal Credit which led to some pretty significant challenges," he said. she adds.

The result will be "system-wide strain" that will impact "people's life chances and outcomes".

Consumers have been warned by