Search results for ‘Publisher:"money and mental health policy institute"’ Sort:
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A little help from my friends: tools to support financial decision-making for people with mental health problems
- Authors:
- BOND Nikki, EVANS Katie, HOLKAR Merlyn
- Publisher:
- Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
- Publication year:
- 2019
- Pagination:
- 44
- Place of publication:
- London
This report shows that people with mental health problems are often struggling to get this support because the tools for sharing financial decision-making, such as Power of Attorney, are not working well for them. As a result, many people are resorting to practices such as sharing bank cards and account details, which can leave both them and their carers vulnerable to fraud or legal difficulties. The report sets out legislation around data protection and mental capacity, which determines when and how third parties can offer support to people experiencing mental health problems with financial management. It goes on to explore how and why existing mechanisms for third party access are failing to meet the needs of people experiencing mental health problems, and undermining their autonomy and privacy. The report finds that people with lived experience of mental health problems would value two new types of third party access in particular: the ability to offer limited visibility over account information, and the ability to give a third party limited decision-making powers - including the ability to communicate with providers. The report outlines long and short term solutions and makes recommendations to government and firms. It draws on the results of a survey of people with lived experience of mental health problems who have wanted or received help with financial management, a survey of carers who have helped someone experiencing mental health problems manage their finances, and an online focus group with people with lived experience of mental health problems. (Edited publisher abstract)
The benefits assault course: making the UK benefits system more accessible for people with mental health problems
- Authors:
- BOND Nikki, BRAVERMAN Rachel, EVANS Katie
- Publisher:
- Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
- Publication year:
- 2019
- Pagination:
- 44
- Place of publication:
- London
This report presents research to show how mental health problems can make navigating the benefits system and claiming benefits more difficult. It provides context on the current state of the UK’s benefits system and the challenges people experiencing mental health problems can face and outlines the issues with navigating the various stages involved in claiming and managing benefits. The research draws on surveys of people with lived experience of mental health problems who have claimed benefits in the last two years; carers who have helped someone experiencing mental health problems with their benefits; and people who work with people with mental health problems in a professional capacity. Online focus groups with seven people were also used to explore the issues in greater depth. The findings show that many people with mental health problems struggle to navigate the benefits system because of common symptoms such as reduced concentration, increased impulsivity and memory problems. These difficulties are compounded by overly complicated and bureaucratic processes in the benefits system, which are causing significant psychological distress for many people already struggling with their mental health. The report makes recommendations to make the benefits system more accessible for people experiencing mental health problems. These include introducing adjustments to ensure anyone experiencing mental health problems can navigate the benefits system and simplifying the reassessment process for people with severe mental illnesses. (Edited publisher abstract)
Recovery space: minimising the financial harm caused by mental health crisis
- Authors:
- BOND Nikki, BRAVERMAN Rachel, CLARKE Tasneem
- Publisher:
- Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
- Publication year:
- 2018
- Pagination:
- 44
- Place of publication:
- London
This report focuses on the ways in which healthcare services, the benefits system and essential services firms respond to people in a mental health crisis, and the opportunities for improvement. It draws on findings from surveys, 36 depth interviews and three focus groups to explore the challenges people face in maintaining financial control during a crisis, and the barriers carers and practitioners must overcome in order to provide support. The report: explores the nature of a mental health crisis and the financial outcomes; sets out the support offered by carers and advice agencies, and the challenges they face; considers how mental health services, essential services firms and the benefits system each respond to the financial needs of people experiencing a mental health crisis; and recommends ways to reduce the negative financial impact of mental health crises. People in crisis are particularly at risk of serious financial harm, and are disadvantaged when trying to mitigate it. The report finds that: mental health services lack suitable tools, particularly for those who retain capacity when seriously unwell and as a result service users’ immediate needs for support with financial management go unmet; due to a lack of understanding of mental health crisis, charges and fees for essential services can accrue and collections activities continue, worsening a difficult situation and compromising people’s recovery; the benefits system’s failure to make reasonable adjustments for claimants experiencing mental health crises can leave people in abject poverty and acute distress. Recommendations include: extending breathing space; switching off benefits conditionality during a crisis; communicating with carers and healthcare professionals through a crisis; and making use of available tools to help people protect themselves. (Edited publisher abstract)