Cost of Living Survey Webinar

In our latest webinar, we shared findings from a comprehensive survey of over 1,000 low-income households, aimed at uncovering the financial and emotional realities faced by individuals and families living on the edge.

What We Covered

The webinar spotlighted headline data points that paint a stark picture of the challenges these households face:

Mental health is deeply impacted: 61% of working-age individuals who feel unable to work reported feeling frightened, anxious, or depressed (significantly higher than the 41% average across all groups).
Basic needs are being compromised:
- 54% have had to skip meals (vs. 34% average).
- 56% turned off their heating despite being cold (vs. 51% average).
- 45% have fallen behind on bills (vs. 29% average).
Hope and readiness remain low: Only 7% of respondents feel prepared to make or earn more money.

Why This Matters

These findings underscore an urgent need to rethink how we support low-income households, especially in light of recent welfare reforms that increase pressure to seek employment. The emotional toll of financial hardship is not just a side effect, it directly affects people’s readiness and ability to return to work.

We posed a key question: How can we soften the blow and provide meaningful support?

By building policies and services informed by real-world experiences, we can help design more compassionate and effective pathways out of poverty.

Key Discussion Points

The true impact of the rising cost of living on low-income individuals and families.
A deeper look at the obstacles these households face: from hunger and cold to debt and declining mental health.
A money-first approach to employment support, including tailored guidance for new jobseekers.
Reimagining recruitment pathways as motivational tools that foster belief, confidence, and potential.