We are a community for people with lived experience of mental health to campaign for change.
PLAIN TEXT VERSION:
“We are incredibly concerned to hear that the Government plans to cut £4bn from the welfare budget, citing that they aim to get people “back into work”. We are worried that these cuts will disproportionately affect those with mental ill-health resulting in them losing their benefit entitlement and forcing them back into work, against their wishes.
We are clear that for some individuals who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions, work can be fulfilling and aid recovery. However, that is not true for everyone, and it should be for the individual and their medical teams to make that assessment – not civil servants or Government ministers.
During a cost-of-living crisis, which has had a detrimental impact on both the finances and the mental health of millions across the UK, we believe it would be grossly irresponsible for those with disabilities and mental health conditions to bear the brunt of the Government’s drive to save costs. Indeed, the fear of losing welfare support could exacerbate poor mental health further.
We urge the government to rethink this decision.”
This statement has been approved by IMHN’s Lived Experience Representatives.
November 15, 2023 at 10:55 pm