I need some help. Please Retweet.

Hi. This isn't a post discussing anything. Basically I need help.

In the past three weeks I have been approached by 3 people in real world, who have had notices their Employment Support Allowance is being stopped. Not one of them is fit for work, barely fit for life. On my timeline, at least half the people on there who need ESA(including those who are bedbound) seem to be dealing with notices that their claims are being stopped. Citizen's advice bureau and welfare rights agents have been hard hit across the country, and quite frankly projects which rely on receding state funding and don't pass those skills to those who need them are going to useless now. I don't believe for one second protest about welfare and local authority cuts is going to attract much attention at the momen. It is not currently politically expedient. I dont see how welfare rights agencies are going to be able to cope with what is starting to happen.

The Tax Credit cuts are kicking in soon, and so will the Housing Benefit cuts. Not to mention the sly behind the scenes stuff that happens, and staffing cuts within DWP.

We need to organise.

 

Basically my benefit knowledge is fairly good with structure, law, and certain aspects of the appeals- but understanding benefit legislation is like standing on shifting sands. It gets rusty. My debt counselling skills are out of date, although I get the basics.

I need to access the following:

1) an organisation who is willing to share their welfare rights and debt advice training materials so they can be used by other people.

2) A web developer who can help me put together a website which can hold these materials so that people can gain these skills and train themselves and other people up to offer advice within their communities.

From anyone reading from Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, or Calderdale: I need people who are willing to learn this information to train up as informal benefits advisors. People who can give a bit of time, and be available even if it is by email or phone to assist with appeals. Any accountants, or solicitors who can donate time to assist people in challenging evictions and to help with benefit problems. Debt counsellors.

 

MY email address is lisaansell7@gmail.com