Grocery workers are being urged to seek help sooner, as new research reveals more than half (53 per cent) of grocery workers have avoided asking for financial help due to fear of being judged, with many choosing to struggle in silence, taking a toll on their mental wellbeing.
A poll of 200 UK grocery workers found 82 per cent felt a stigma around needing additional money to get by, believing difficulty is still seen as something to hide rather than talk about (75 per cent). But the impact goes far beyond finances. Respondents reported feelings of stress (57 per cent), anxiety (49 per cent) and overwhelm (40 per cent) when faced with money worries.
The research, commissioned by GroceryAid for Mental Health Awareness Week (11th – 17th May), found that the pressure has, at times, impacted relationships with friends and family (30 per cent), and one in seven (14 per cent) were also unable to enjoy leisure time due to daily money stress.
GroceryAid provides relief in tough times for grocery workers and their families by offering free and confidential financial, emotional and practical support. Kieran Hemsworth, CEO of the charity, said: “Sometimes the biggest step is reaching out for help, but ‘finance-xiety’ shouldn’t be a taboo. Financial worries don’t just affect your bank balance; they can have a real impact on your mental health, too, with 63% of respondents saying that financial worries affect their mental health more than anything else in their life.
“No one should feel they have to struggle alone. There is support available, and speaking up sooner can make a huge difference, both financially and emotionally. Last year we provided £4.6 million in financial grants to help everyone from supermarket workers to delivery drivers and warehouse operators make ends meet. It’s not a handout; it’s the help they have earned.”
The research found that 21 per cent have applied for financial support, such as a grant, to ease the load, and 32 per cent have considered it. However, 25 per cent said they had not applied for one and ‘would never do this’, showing the stigma runs deep.
Those who had received financial support admitted they waited an average of nearly three months before accessing it. Fourteen per cent had even put it off for more than a year, prolonging financial strain and the associated emotional impact. Reasons for the delay included feeling too embarrassed (52 per cent), not knowing where to turn (33 per cent), and being too worried about what others would think (26 per cent).
Many simply were not aware of the support available for those facing financial challenges (42 per cent).
Of those who have reached out for support, 21 per cent said the hardest thing was admitting they needed help, as there is a huge emotional barrier that still exists around financial hardship. A further 40 per cent were worried about being judged or seen as irresponsible.
Once they had received support, 29 per cent said it made them feel more in control of their situation, it improved their mental wellbeing (29 per cent), and reduced issues at home (31 per cent). Others shared it increased their sense of stability and security (26 per cent), gave them greater confidence in day-to-day life (33 per cent) and improved their relationships (21 per cent). A significant 88 per cent agreed that receiving financial support can be a lifeline for people.
A grocery worker who has previously been granted a GroceryAid financial grant added: “I can’t put into words how grateful we were. If you’re thinking about applying please do. Don’t feel embarrassed for reaching out, sometimes we all need a bit of help. Quick process and a lot of relief.”
For more information on GroceryAid’s free financial, emotional and practical support, and to apply for a grant, visit groceryaid.org.uk
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