News from Claire Parker, RNIB Volunteer Campaign Co-ordinator in Sunderland
On Wednesday 4th May I travelled to Hartlepool to attend the premiere screening of a new documentary 'Falling Through the Cracks' that explores the effects of cuts to frontline services and Welfare Reform on disabled people.
The Hardest Hit tell their stories
As part of the film I was interviewed as a spokesperson for the Hardest Hit campaign in the North East. I explained to Karen, the interviewer, my concerns over the government's plans to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The documentary also covered the Hardest Hit rally and march that took place in Newcastle on 22nd October. Over 1,000 people attended this event to protest against the governments proposed welfare cuts. I was the opening speaker on the day and other speakers included Ian Lavery MP for Wansbeck and disability activist Stuart Bracking.
In our words the message was clear:
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Disability benefits are vital and allow us to meet the additional cost of living that we face.
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We need to make sure disabled people don't lose out because of cuts to welfare and local services.
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The assessments for welfare and other support must be fair and take into account the individual needs of disabled people
There are many more stories to be heard. Disabled people need to come forward and tell their story because the more voices we have the more the government and policy makers will have to listen.
Take Action Against the Cuts
To help people tell their stories and challenge the cuts which will affect them unfairly the Hardest Hit campaign in the North East will be holding a conference on the 1 June.