GoWell has been studying the process of regeneration across deprived communities in Glasgow since 2005, and in particular the health and wellbeing effects of changes brought about by policy interventions. During our study period the recession has hit communities, with welfare reforms also beginning to impact upon those on low incomes or out of work. The effects of recession, austerity and welfare reform are important in of themselves, but also as potential counters to any positive impacts that regeneration might be expected to have over time. Furthermore, public health researchers have said that not enough research is being done on the health consequences of the economic downturn and related austerity measures. Thus, we have used our survey data, which pre- and post-date the advent of the recession, to produce a report on the changing experience of financial stress among our study communities and the associated mental health and wellbeing effects of facing difficulties paying for everyday costs.

The report, written by Angela Curl and Ade Kearns, was covered in a feature article and a leader comment in The Herald newspaper on Tuesday 15th October 2013, and Prof Kearns was interviewed on BBC Radio Scotland’s Newsdrive programme the same day: listen again here.

First published: 17 October 2013

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