Cost of living crisis: Inverness charity Rokzkool will be there as 'a friend'
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In the past year, Peter estimates he knows of between 10 and 12 people who have died through suicide.
“I think it is because of what is going on with the cost-of-living crisis,” he reflected.
“It has affected a lot of people, hard-working people who cannot afford to heat their homes, or cannot afford food.
“People are really struggling with their mental health.”
Peter – not his real name – revealed his own struggles as he chatted at the hub run by Rokzkool, an Inverness-based grassroots charity which supports young people and families.
Cost of living crisis: Charity provides vital lifeline
During the coronavirus pandemic, it provided thousands of lifeline food and emergency packs and is now finding its support is needed more than ever as the cost-of-living crisis deepens – although it, too, is facing financial pressures.
But for people like Peter, the donations of food and support are invaluable.
Previously self-employed, he and his partner would work seven days a week until he almost died four years ago following an accident.
Fortunately, the teams at Raigmore Hospital saved Peter’s life but it has left him with lasting damage and on immuno-suppressant medication – and unable to return to his previous work.
The coronavirus pandemic was a further blow and then the cost-of-living crisis struck.
He and his partner sometimes skip meals to ensure their two children eat.
“Our children come first,” he said. “I will do whatever it takes to feed our children.”
He is grateful for the support provided by Rokzkool.
“If it was not for Rokzkool and these guys, I don’t know where I would be,” he said.
“They are so very important to this community.
“If you need to just talk about anything, if something is on your mind, you just have to pick up the telephone to these guys. They will be there for you as a friend.”
Helen – not her real name – also said she would struggle without Rokzkool which has helped with food provisions.
A single mother of two children of secondary school age, she is a part-time care worker and tries to eke out her low income as much as possible.
“I have the heating on for one hour in the morning and I put it on last thing at night before I go to bed,” she said.
“When the house gets cold, I wrap up.”
When she is shopping she searches out the cheapest prices but acknowledges this can be time consuming and she never treats herself.
Volunteer Derek MacInnes joined the charity’s team after it helped him through his own difficulties a few years ago and is using the skills he learned to help others at group sessions such as cookery and music.
He considers himself lucky in also having a full-time job but says he has noticed the impact of the cost of living.
“The cost of fuel is quite a big thing for me as I live in the country and commute back and forth,” said Mr MacInnes, who is cutting back on spending where possible.
“The cost-of-living crisis has been going on for a long time and you cut back as much as you can. But there is only so much you can cut back.”
He says unforeseen bills such as house repair costs are also a concern.
Latvian-born Ilona Plavina, who has lived in Inverness for 12 years, has also joined the team of volunteers after having had to give up her job in a care home due to health problems.
She said like everyone, she is finding the times are difficult due to the cost-of-living crisis.
When she worked, she did not spend much and she currently relies on her savings to get by.
Asked whether she is optimistic the situation will improve, she replied: “Some days, I feel optimistic but some days not really.
“I try to feel optimistic. If you are pessimistic, it doesn’t really work.”
