There is limited research on the link between financial hardship and mental health in Australia. To address this, Beyond Blue commissioned Ellis Jones to facilitate co-design sessions with those affected to translate the link between financial hardship and mental health and to support businesses working with Australians experiencing financial hardship.

We utilised our expertise in research methodologies, design thinking, and deep sector knowledge in mental health to conduct a comprehensive project exploring the link between financial hardship and mental health.

This involved conducting a literature review on Australia’s financial and mental wellbeing data since COVID-19 and co-designing a financial and mental wellbeing continuum.

Research and design work comprised:

• Provided strategic advice regarding service development to support guide usage and business sustainability
• Benchmarking research to assess the relevance and credibility of other approaches.
• In collaboration with Good Shepherd, facilitated co-design sessions with diverse target user groups.
• Facilitated a workshop with Beyond Blue’s partnership and engagement teams.
• Collaborated with key stakeholders, such as financial counselling services, service providers, and community advocates to develop educational resources.

 

Based on the insights gathered from the research and co-design phase of the project, Ellis Jones helped Beyond Blue:

• Frame how they and other community and industry stakeholders think about financial and mental wellbeing and its complex relationship.
• Produce a continuum that captures the different stages, signs, symptoms and behaviours of those experiencing financial and mental hardship and the support options available.
• Develop a practical how-to guide for businesses (such as service providers and employers) that promotes the tangible link between money and mental health and considers the intersection between money and mental health in their service delivery so they can better support those experiencing financial and mental wellbeing challenges.

The continuum and how-to guide were launched in 2023 and are endorsed by various service providers and community organisations.

Read the Services Guide for Financial & Mental Wellbeing here.