Pathways between the cost-of-living crisis, health, and well-being outcomes: third sector organisations and their service users

My proposed research will critically examine how the cost-of-living (CoL) crisis affects third sector organisations (TSOs) and their service users, with a focus on the pathways connecting the crisis to mental health and well-being outcomes. Despite extensive research on the impacts and coping mechanism of individuals with the CoL crisis, there is very limited in-depth qualitative information on how this crisis affects TSOs and service users, especially those supporting mental health and wellbeing and how they respond to the challenge. This is crucial for shaping policies, especially since many TSOs are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Using adaptive capacity theory and a framework that link the CoL to health outcomes, this research aims to address this gap, contribute to the discussion on resilience during crises and help inform policy decisions on crisis management. This proposed grant activity builds on my postdoctoral ESRC-funded work with TSOs in Greater Manchester. It draws on a broader network, including TSOs, Edge Hill University’s Centre for Social Responsibility, and the NIHR’s Applied Research Collaboration, the CoREN (Community Research and Engagement Network) based at Lancaster University. This network offers expertise and resources, fostering new collaborations, enhancing co-researcher capacities, and impacting policy and practice.