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End the Care Crisis: Lobby 2012

Today we've heard the news that disabled people (including people with a mental illness) could be forced to work for free or face a cut in benefits. The clause is part of the welfare reform bill currently working its way through Parliament and applies only to individuals placed in the Employment and Support Allowance 'work related activity group'. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, talk to you benefits advisor. If you think you have been placed in the Wrag group incorrectly, contact the Rethink Advice and Information Service.

As well as changes to the welfare system, government is also reforming our social care system. On 6th March, Rethink Mental Illness is organising a lobby of parliament to protest against some of the changes. Participants will meet in Westminster at 12pm, where you can participate in a Rethink Mental Illness ‘lobbying your MP’ training session. We’ll have lunch. You can then take part in a media photo opportunity, if you want to.

We’ll then head off to the Houses of Parliament at 2pm, so you can meet your MP at a time we can arrange for you. The day will end at 5pm.  If you'd like to take part in the lobby you can register here. You need to register by 20th February at the latest.

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