A practical guide for campaigners – disabled people, families, carers and local groups –
This paper is intended to help campaigners – including disabled people and those supporting them – understand how the law can be used to help fight cuts to valued services for disabled and other vulnerable people in their area. The paper is intended to be read by those who do not have a legal background. However, any individual or local group who is considering legal action in relation to actual or proposed cuts to services should not rely only on this paper but should seek specialist advice, including legal advice.
This paper has been written by Steve Broach and Kate Whittaker. Steve is a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, and Kate is a solicitor at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors in Sheffield. Both of them specialise in cases involving disabled adults and children and others who need care and support from public bodies.
This resource (Word document) can be downloaded at https://disabilitylib.org.uk/images/stories/Using_Law_to_Fight_Cuts.doc
The worst thing that can happen, is that we give up – we have to learn to see beyond this and form a collective that is focused. Where we have skills and energy we can focus like a keen laser light on the leading issues. It is necessary. All we are asking for is food and shelter, little more, and the system can accommodate us in this respect. Second to that we want our dignity intact. Thirdly, for me, I want to be able to contribute to society where I am able and in the way I see fit – this is not unobtainable, with the right systems put in place. The current architects of the system are attempting to toss us around like rag dolls, but we do not have to intellectually define ourselves as refuse. This is a battle within the mind first and foremost and whilst we travel through a period of hardship, I will define my person as a Buddhist ascetic, rather than a scrounger and good for nothing. I/we have worth that transcends the 9-5 slave market, we just have to see it in our hearts.
Hi Paul. I have just read your comment and really feel for you. I too have been subject to culling by the government who are no better than the Nazis in as much as wanting to breed an Arian race.
I have been left with £35 A MONTH to exist on!!
I have also found myself almost on a daily basis seriously contemplating suicide. I never thought I would see the world in such a mess in my life time. I assume you have tried the CAB for help? I mostly cannot comprehend the paper work. I have M.E and may as well be reading mandarin. The guys there saw me through all this crap last year and now off we go again!
Please try not to give up. The more of us that fight the more they will be forced to listen! Good luck and I do hope things improve soon.
Regards
Karen McLinton
Hi people.
If only you all could see the pile of evidence I’m tying to put together. that has totally overwhelmed me. I feel I mighttake my own life any day now. such has been the abuse and neglect I have endured and desperaely fighting against.
This against Public Sector workers/Organisation. that I pray one day will be cut cut cut after being held to account for ther gross negligence. but this is so very unlikly as finding a legal worker to do the right thing for me is just now impossible. I have now felt the full extent of useless inept service providers and of those supposedly giving Legal Aid support.
I just hope you all do much better than me.
Yes people the truth sometimes hurt’s. and it’s hurting me so badly. but still love you all.
Paul.