The guide offers lots of helpful information such as:

 

• Understanding the impact of debt to mental health – the different kinds of debt (e.g. tax debt) and how they can be a key source of stress, depression, and anxiety if not planned and managed properly.

• Advice for dealing with debt such as setting up a Debt Management Plan or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), qualifying for a Debt Relief Order (DRO), or even filing bankruptcy to get some protection and keep life essentials like pension savings safe from creditors.

• What to do if debt problems begin affecting your mental health. This includes recognising the symptoms and early warning signs of mental health problems associated with debt as well as advice on where to turn to for help and support.

• Other useful information and resources, including debt charities and organisations that are dedicated to helping people conquer their debt problems.

The paper, called Civil Action, was published today by the research charity Pro Bono Economics, to mark the start of its Law Family Commission on Civil Society. Third Sector have reported that the commission is a two-year initiative that aims to examine how the potential of civil society can be unleashed in the UK. Find out more.

This is a timely resource, with millions around the world working remotely due to COVID-19. Our in-depth guide covers:

• The pros and cons of remote work for employers and their staff, the wider impact on society and the environment, and technological and cultural challenges that need to be addressed.
• Eye-opening statistics and surveys of work from home (WFH) employees: 68% felt more productive at home, 80% said WFH reduced their expenses, yet 57% also felt more stressed from working remotely.
• Understanding the biggest challenges faced by remote workers: dealing with stress, anxiety, and maintaining work-life balance at home.
• Practical tips and advice to set up a productive and healthy workspace at home including links to other useful information.

The full online guide is here

Following the government’s Spending Review that took place on 25.11.20, DSC spotted five main takeaways for charities. Check out our analysis from Jay Kennedy here.

The Thrive LDN communications toolkit remains updated and the messages and assets will support partners during the remaining planned period of the current national lockdown for signposting to resources to support resilience, mental health and wellbeing. It is available to download via: https://thriveldn.co.uk/toolkits/.

There is suggested standard copy for your own external facing websites within this. Please do explore this and see how it may be used, for example as a news article, if not already the case. We have updated some key messages for digital channels. Download here.

You’ll note some specific resilience messaging has been added to this.  We’re developing this further, in partnership with Good Thinking, and will update with more assets as an ongoing campaign over the winter period. Please feel free to use and post organically or reshare posts through the Thrive LDN accounts, all via @ThriveLDN.

FURTHER UPDATES…

• Guidance for people supporting individuals and communities affected by the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19)

Thank you to colleagues who are sharing and download a Look, Listen, Link A4 poster for your community or faith centre, public and patient area, and/or workplace.

This poster links to our guidance for people who are supporting communities and individuals who have been adversely affected by COVID-19 to help them to know the most supportive things to say and do for people who are distressed.

• Good Thinking’s toolkit for employers

Good Thinking has published an online toolkit on how best to support your employees’ mental health – designed for organisations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. It is available to support your internal communications activity and will be updated regularly by the Good Thinking team.

• Support after sudden bereavement during the pandemic

We are finalising with partners a toolkit to help provide suddenly bereaved people with reassurance that help is available if they need it. We anticipate being able to publish this by the end of this week.

It provides important London wide information about how existing services have changed how they are supporting people. We have included dedicated support options for groups of people who may be particularly vulnerable, to help ensure they are aware of who can best understand their circumstances. We think it will be an important resource for both internal and external use.