Some much needed positive news....
As most of you know
Sue Marsh has been co-ordinating a report researched, authored and
funded by sick and disabled people which is released formally on
monday.
As happens with every government welfare report, mysteriously,
somehow, details leaked out to the media yesterday and so the coverage
has already started. It turns out that Boris Johnson's submission to the
DLA reform consultation which closed in February 2011 was the smoking
gun we needed and the government hoped no-one would ever find. The
Mayor's submission stood out from the other consultation responses, not
because it was supportive of our claims (almost all the submissions
were) but because it was incredibly thoughtful, well written and
researched. Some people are concerned that this may be to do with
forthcoming mayoral elections. Whilst we understand the concern, we do
not believe that is the case as the Mayor's submission was completed in
February 2011 along with all the other submissions. It would be very
helpful if we could all let Boris Johnson know how much we appreciate
his carefully considered and supportive statement over the weekend.
We desperately need to keep up the momentum over the weekend to ensure this becomes an even bigger story.
We
all need to pull together to make this happen. If everyone shares the
news on their facebook, twitter, google+, blog, email list, friends,
family etc we can keep the focus on the report.
AllBigIdeas is collating a list of the news articles here and so far we've had coverage in;
The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Mirror and The Mail!!
Yes, you read that correctly. No you're not dreaming. The Daily Mail
have actually covered a welfare story, from a welfare campaigners
perspective and had to include the fact that the fraud rate for DLA is
only 0.5%. Left Foot Forward
have always led the way amongst the political blogs with their support
for sick and disabled people's campaign against the Welfare Reform Bill
and have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help us. They would
never ask us for anything in return, but one way we can all thank them
for their support is to ensure their articles are widely publicised.
So please, share these stories everywhere, with everyone you
know. Leave your opinion in the comment threads, email the papers,
contact your local media, tell everyone and anyone. Keep watch here, on Sue's blog and The Broken of Britain and Where's The Benefit for us letting you know the latest developments and most of all take a moment to step back and think.
Finally we are breaking through. We can be ignored no longer. We have
truth and justice on our side. The next few weeks will be the fight of
our lives, but no-one is better prepared for that than us. We are people
who face and overcome challenges in our everyday lives bigger than many
ever have to face in a lifetime. We are used to dealing with confusing
bureaucracy, lack of proper support and having to find our own
solutions. Above all we know how to endure, that however dark the night,
tomorrow will be another day and eventually we find another way.
If you are scared, remember you are not alone. We have come
together to show the true power of our community and that we will not be
ignored. If you think you won't be affected by these cuts, remember
those who will. If you think it'll never happen to you, remember
anyone's life can and does change in an instant. We fight this battle
not just for ourselves, but for you, your family and loved ones to make
sure that in the darkest times of your life the protection you need and
have given to us will be there for you.
With love from Kaliya and Sue.
"Alone We Whisper. Together We Shout"
Non-partisan UK-based Disability campaign. Advocacy for people with invisible illness and/or physical & mental health conditions. Also Carers, their Families and Friends. Our individual voices are too quiet to be heard, but collectively we can shout loud enough to drown out this tide of abuse against us. Disability Hate Crime, lack of full legal protection, people in care homes costing too much to be let out and not one political party willing to fight for us.
God bless u all I sit here in tears most days frightened by the future as I presume most of us are
ReplyDeleteNo one asked to be sick or disabled and the government forget we have a vote too
At least we're in this together as alone this would be a frightening prospect
Julie Hughes
Huge well done to everyone involved. It's great to hear the good news coming out of your hard work at last.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone unaware - there is an epetition which you could sign.
Pat's Petition asks for the government to Stop and review the cuts to benefits and services which are falling disproportionately on disabled people, their carers and families.
Pat's Petition is a grassroots campaign by disabled people and carers. It needs us all to work together to get those signatures - please share it with your friends, family and colleagues.
The link is http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/20968
thanks
I cried after reading this.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been involved with any demonstrations. All I've been doing is sharing things on my social networking pages trying to get the message out about this witch hunt. I want to do more, but don't know how I can make a difference. I have comprehension issues from my disabilities and find it hard to take in vast amounts of information (hence my lack of involvement) so to everyone who's been involved I thank you from the bottom of my heart (and with tears in my eyes).
Come and join Ouch, a friendly disability website that has chat, activism and support.
ReplyDeleteOuchtoo.org