This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday, 11th May – Sunday, 17th May), led by the Mental Health Foundation. This year, the theme is all about ‘Action’, encouraging everyone to take small steps to promote their mental wellbeing. Often, action feels easier said than done. This is why the…
The Government is currently reviewing the effectiveness of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and assessing how it works for people living with disabilities and long-term health conditions. This review, which is called the Timms Review, is a chance to share your experience if you receive PIP, and say how you think…
In 1981, three residents in the Calderstones Hospital, a service for people with learning disabilities, successfully campaigned for the right to vote in General Elections. This brave act enshrined the voting rights of support people in law, along with other policy changes such as the Disability Discrimination Act (1995)…
Gloria’s Law campaigns for a legal right to a designated care supporter for people living in care settings, with the goal of ensuring in-person visits from at least one essential family member or friend. This would legally enforce visitation standards that maintain a person-centred focus on the individual being supported,…
On the 30th April, new ‘Right to Try’ legislation came into effect across the United Kingdom (UK). This legislation empowers recipients of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit (UC), and new style Employment and Support Allowance (new style ESA) to reintroduce themselves to work or volunteering. The eligibility criteria for…
On April 22nd, Children’s Commissioner Rachel de Souza published the fourth report in a series which examined the use of police strip searches on children in England and Wales. The report outlines the extent to which strip searching powers are used on children, and offers guidelines for improving practices to…
