The rising Cost of Living is hitting Hertfordshire residents hard - here’s what you’ve told us.
What you’ve told us so far
In December we launched a survey to find out how Hertfordshire residents were being affected by the Cost of Living crisis and what support people needed during these difficult times.
So far, more than 4,500 Hertfordshire residents have responded to the survey - which is still open - and told us how their daily lives have been impacted.
Take a look at some of the responses below and let us know if you are feeling the same, managing for now, or perhaps facing different struggles?
80% of respondents are using less heating and 59% have reduced the amount and/or quality of the food they’re eating – with some living in damp, cold and mouldy conditions and others eating only one meal a day.
“Trying to get on a food bank list but so far not successful. Only able to have one hot meal a day split between two of us.”
70% have been affected a little by rising costs, but are managing, while 23% have been affected a lot and are struggling to cope; 38% either had not enough funds, or just enough, for basic necessities.
“I am trying to live on less, but when things are tight I am more worried about the future and whether I could cope with two or three big expenditures coming at once.”
Parents are particularly concerned about how they are going to support, feed or provide for their children.
“I basically only eat one meal a day to make sure my family don’t go without.”
30% said their physical health had been affected by the rising Cost of Living. This included the cold affecting their joints and causing pain/discomfort and feeling physically sick with stress and worry.
“Freezing cold at night as limiting heating use, worried about health due to mould in home as a result of cold, damp conditions.”
55% said their mental health has been affected by rising costs, with people experiencing low mood, stress and difficulty sleeping.
“The cost of living crisis keeps me up at night. I don't know how we will cope with higher energy bills than we have already.”
Access to healthcare was a problem for many, with respondents not visiting the dentist or optician because they could not afford treatment. Concerningly, people have also stopped purchasing or reduced the dose of their medication to make it last longer.
“Asthmatic and rely on my inhalers a lot during the winter months. I’ve cut down on my dosage to make them last longer.”
Specific groups are being affected by rising costs more than others, including single parents, families, people with a long-term condition/and or disability, carers and those from an Asian background.
Do you need support?
If you’re struggling with rising costs, please visit the Hertfordshire County Council website which has a range of resources including money advice, energy and heating support, and food support.
You can also call HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044 or find out more here about what help is available.
Do these findings resonate with you? We want to hear how the Cost of Living is impacting you and your family.
Share your experiences and concerns anonymously by completing our survey. It will take about 10 minutes to complete.
If you need the survey in a different format, or would rather take part in a 1:1 interview or focus group, please contact us by:
- Calling 01707 275978
- Emailing info@healthwatchhertfordshire.co.uk
- Completing our online webform
Please see our privacy statement for information about how we use and share information from the public.
How will sharing my views make a difference?
By sharing your views, you will help Hertfordshire County Council, District and Borough Councils, the Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise sector, and other local services decide how, and where, their support and services are most needed. They are keen to help. It will also help us understand the physical and mental health impact of the Cost of Living crisis, so we can support you to stay well during this time.
