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Uncomfortable truths
Posted Tuesday 31 July 2012
Last night's Dispatches and Panorama on welfare and the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) shone a light on the realities faced by millions of disabled people, including people with mental health problems, who try to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
It made for uncomfortable viewing.
We have been campaigning on these issues for many years but sadly we know that there hasn’t been a lot of public interest in welfare except in attacking 'workshy scroungers'. Too often people claiming disability benefits are put into the same box without much thought about the nuances of the debate.We know that this demonisation of disabled people claiming welfare benefits, for example in the media, only serves to compound the stress and anxiety caused by the WCA process.
So last night's programmes are an important wake up call for the Government, ATOS (the company which carries out the test) and wider society.
They gave us a glimpse of the way that too many people are being treated at the hands of a system which doesn’t work. Put through a test which isn't fit for purpose by assessors who get it wrong too often, people are left to cope with the devastating consequences of this bureaucratic nightmare. The facts bear this out - 40% of people declared fit for work appeal against the original decision, with 40% of these appeals being upheld. The programmes highlighted these problems to an unprecedented audience of millions.
These uncomfortable truths now need facing up to. Designing a system to determine who should be eligible to receive sickness benefit was never going to be easy. However this system is clearly not fit for purpose - a view shared by Malcolm Harrington, the Government's own assessor, who went as near as he could to suggest that the system was failing too many people at present.
The current contract for the WCA is due to end in 2015. Between now and then, three actions must be taken.
First, those currently on Incapacity Benefit should not be forced to take this test and the reassessment process should be stopped until this mess is sorted out. For some, support to help them find work will be welcome in a tough economic environment, but for many others, being required to take the test when physical or mental health is at such a low ebb is counter-productive.
Secondly, the whole approach to disability benefits needs reviewing, so that any overhauled system involves disabled people more, so it can better identify and respond to people’s needs.
Finally, we must continue to challenge lazy assumptions about “workshy scroungers”. It's time for a whole new way of thinking about the outstanding contribution that disabled people make to our society.
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive, Mind
29 Comments
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Paul, I appreciate your comments. so when are we going to take some direct action then?
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I thoroughly agree Paul . I have mental health and physical problems and I'm failed time and time again by the current system. As an agoraphobic of over 40 years ( and I'm only 48 now ) who can't attend centres where help is available I feel I'm being discriminated against at every turn.
I've been shocked at the lack of response to last night's programmes outside of the disabled community and it's carers . It seems to me nobody cares .
Helen
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Have MIND considered extending their mythbusting tactic to adverts in the media or even billboards? It might be cheaper to stick a leaflet explaining the truth about benefit claimants through every door in the country. But everyone needs to be reached.
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I think "not fit for purpose" is the wrong term to use in our eyes because whilst it is not fit for purpose to us it is certainly good for the Govt because in there eyes it is serving its purpose to get as many off ESA and DLA as possible.
This indeed was the purpose of the WCA and more so under a coalition Govt.
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Thank you Mind for your true support in pushing for changes in the current unacceptable approach and distress this system is imposing on individuals with a mental health condition.
I watched the programme and was very pleased that a true representation of the impact on peoples illness was shown and that true storys provided a good insight into this badly conceived idea. Far more needs to be put into place to actually 'assist' people who whish to return to work to do so but only if they are able. I habe been lucky and until recently have been in empolyment after my initial illness but alas a recent relapse has left me without work again.
In my own life story I have been treated unfairly by some employers since my first illness and have fealt let down by archaic human resources policies which fail people who genuinely work with juggeling a long-term health condition also. I hope your actions are taken on by DWP as a system that assists people to move forward not backwards is required. The current policy must be enhancing health care bills even if the government thinks it is lessening the benefits bill and probably costing the country far more.
It really saddened me to see on the news that Scope had recorded more indiviiduals now feeling stigmatised due to media coverage of those on health benefits as 'scroungers' when in true reality many, many people are unable to work. The government should be ashamed of this farce in ther so called big society! -
I'm sorry it made you feel "uncomfortable" Paul. I can guarantee that for every ounce of discomfort you felt, I can double it in terror and anger.
Where were you in the programmes? Where have you been since 2008 when you should have been making programmes like this from the start? If your budget doesn't stretch to a whole programme, even a few appearances on the news or a couple of articles in a paper (NOT on this website - preaching to the converted!) would have said a lot for your credibility and proof that you really do believe this is wrong. As it is, you continually pay lip service without actually DOING anything.
Yes the IB migration should be stopped. And don't forget those who have already been forced through the process and now face reassessment every six months just to prove they're still as ill as they were last time they filled in the form.
Just imagine that for a moment, Paul. Imagine living every day in fear of your own letterbox, terrified that today is the day your form comes through. Imagine weeks of writing down your most secret and scary experiences, knowing that the words you write will be read by complete strangers and being forced to share those private words with friends and carers who are trying to support you through the process. Imagine having to sit in a CAB office opposite a stranger and talk about your bowel movements; imagine listening while they paraphrase and condense your deepest fears and reduce your scariest thoughts into tiny boxes and point-counting. Imagine the feeling in your gut as you bundle up your papers into an envelope that doesn’t quite fit everything (the final slap in the face the form gives you) and place them into a post box, knowing that they will be opened not by a doctor or decision maker but some snotty-nosed kid in a Royal Mail processing warehouse and doled out to the relevant departments.
(cont…) -
(…from previous)
Imagine then the waiting. Every single day not knowing if you’re going to receive a letter calling you for the face to face assessment (no longer called a medical and we can see why) with someone who could be a physiotherapist who if you’re lucky will listen to you and try to make your problems fit the unforgiving computer programme; or if not will just take one look at you, see that you’re dressed and not smearing faeces on the walls and declare you fit to work on the spot. Or your letter could mean that you’re placed in the WRAG, meaning you face interviews and meetings and irrelevant courses and all the while being pushed and pushed to get a job. Or it could simply cut off your income altogether, leaving you destitute as there is no chance of you being able to work no matter what the paperwork says. Even getting placed in the support group isn’t a positive outcome, as you could be called for reassessment at any time they see fit – anything from 3 months upwards then you have to do it all over again.
Imagine, Paul, trying to decide at what point you will quit and choose suicide over continuing the process any further.You live your life like that Paul, with practically no room for anything else – it’s almost like you’re so taken over by the DWP that you don’t even have time to be ill! – and then you decide whether you feel “uncomfortable” or not, or if you wish the charities who claim to speak out for you had actually done that years ago when it could have actually made a difference.
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im totaly gobsmacked at what i watched on the two channels last night, if this is not just against a persons human rights, well it should be disability discrimination, when are the disabled going to have humanrights lawyers queing up to help them, like the abu qatada's who get all human rights.....im totaly ashamed to be british if this is how we treat terminally ill and disabled how low can this gvt go...they should all be done....
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Well, your comments are a start.
"Uncomfortable" is an interesting choice of word, I'd swap it for "outrageous" myself.
So what next Paul and Mind?
Can I suggest you find the courage to represent those you claim to represent? Don't keep trying to ally your campaigns with those of wider-reaching disability orgs.
Be bold, nail your colours to the mast and demand that the needs of those with mental illness are met, demand that the benefits system be made fit-for-purpose for those of us with mental illness.
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"For some, support to help them find work will be welcome"
Think you missed out the words 'and keep', otherwise can also be just another route to failure and misery and disability or death. Anyway, shouldn't EVERYONE with difficulties be OFFERED support to MAKE MORE MONEY?
"in a tough economic environment"
why add that?
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I agree with Paul - it's time to stop being "reasonable" - I know Charities have a reputation to think of etc etc - and I know MIND have been one of the more active ones - but enough is enough. People are living under immense stress and fear - I know, I am one of them. I have been in tears all day. Last week I was in tears every day. Not only that but people are DYING!!
I think the idea of putting a leaflet through every door is a brilliant one - simple but effective - do it!!
If the funds can stretch to billboards as well all the better - the public need to know what is really going on.
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I have said this before and I will no doubt say it again, but why has this policy not been challenged in the courts and slapped down as unlawful?
It has been variously suggested that they might breach Article 3 of ECHR, but I would suggest that the apparently deliberate policy of forcing any doubtful claimants to wait months for an appeal is also in breach of Article 6.
Is anyone putting a case together, and if not, why not?
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Well said Terri Fyed. Mind is a well established mental health charity that is respected for it's stance on mental health issues.
But where has your "bite" gone ? We can all "speak the speak" so to is speak. But how about being more pro-active ? As "hairyloon" says why
has no legal action been taken ? could Mind's own Legal Unit put a case together ?
More action less words please Paul !!! -
Paul, you wrote;
'They gave us a glimpse of the way that too many people are being treated at the hands of a system which doesn’t work. Put through a test which isn't fit for purpose by assessors who get it wrong too often,'
This gives me the impression that you think the intentions and outcomes might be honourable ones, its just the way its implemented thats wrong.
Did you not see the part where the person training the assessment candidates (doctor included) where it was stated at least three times by the trainer that the sole purpose of the assement was to (quote) 'GET PEOPLE OFF BENEFITS'.
So, is it not unreasonable to conclude with this in mind that the intention and policy does not include helping or enabling anyone, either to independent living or producing any independent income but, solely to REMOVE benefits. Further is it not unreasonable to assume that the Assessor trainer exposed in the film stating that the sole purpose of the WCA is the removal of benefits has the full backing of ATOS in stating this? Is it not further a reasonable assumption that ATOS are only carrying out its paymasters directives? As someone as indicated earlier on this thread, It seems the governments true intentions are being carried out in an efficient manor by ATOS. So I suggest you give up the westminster speak and have MIND take the courage of it's convictions and just do something that gives us hope!
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Part one
Thank you to everyone for their comments. Regarding the work Mind has been doing in this area, we have been campaigning about the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) since it was introduced in 2008. We knew it was going to have a negative impact but straight away we were hearing from people across England, Wales and Scotland saying that everyone was scoring zero points. This included people going through the process, their friends and family, welfare rights advisers, mental health professionals and local Mind staff.
We've been lobbying the Government and trying to raise awareness in the media ever since. Disabled people, grassroots campaigners and representative organisations have all fought hard. We've been involved in big protests like the Hardest Hit march, we have produced a spoof newspaper to tackle the negative stereotyping in the media and we have supported mass online mobilisation through the Spartacus campaign.
Our early campaigning led to Mind's CEO Paul Farmer being asked to participate in the Harrington Scrutiny Panel, which was set up to oversee the work of the WCA Independent Review team. Paul’s role was to give advice and criticism. Paul later resigned from this panel due to his concerns about the WCA – a move that attracted extensive media coverage including an appearance on BBC Newsnight.
Mind was involved in both the Dispatches and the Panorama programmes - we advised both behind the scenes. Paul was due to be interviewed for Dispatches but the programme makers wanted to focus on the undercover footage they had. We provided case studies for Panorama – it is often the real life stories that make the most impact in the media.
[to be continued]
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Part two
You can find our about our campaigning work at http://www.mind.org.uk/campaigns_and_issues/policy_and_issues/making_benefits_fairer-welfare_reform/benefits_welfare-key_is, and the Daily Stigma spoof newspaper at http://www.mind.org.uk/campaigns_and_issues/policy_and_issues/making_benefits_fairer-welfare_reform/the_daily_stigma
We know, from speaking to people on a daily basis, the devastating impact this is having on people's lives. We meant that these programmes made for uncomfortable viewing for the DWP, Atos and others as it was a very public showing of the failings of the system but perhaps we used the wrong word there. We know some people are struggling just to survive at the moment and I’m sorry if this seemed to trivialise such an important issue.
We will be using this media coverage and increased public awareness to bring further pressure to bear on the Government to halt the reassessment process until the WCA is working effectively.
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as a long term beneficiary of the welfare system through 20 year long bipolar disorder I feel I am entitled to a paranoid conspiracy view, of which the milder interpretations may still resonate with other people who have trod a similar path to me.
The government states that the reasons for the benefit reform is primarily to attend to the unfair system that leaves us languishing outside society.....So, if true, it is a noble cause that somehow when constantly re-stated receives no question or counter argument.
The counter argument is obvious and goes thus:
For most mental health patients where their illness is beyond one section and covering years of unemployment escaping from the dole queue is going to be nigh impossible. In fact any declared mental illness will ensure your candidacy amongst able minded is demoted to last. As for people with physical disabilities I am sure this is true.
So,(conspiracy time!)Why does nobody amongst the do-gooders state this glaringly obvious flaw in the government's noble argument.
Does everyone remember Pauline running the back-to-work class in the league of gentlemen......That'll be us on seventy quid a week(turn up or else)But they, knowing you'll never really get a job.....as long as they can dress it up as noble with PR that'll be ok.I suggest like me your real trepidation is based on the above unspoken truth....It is a betrayal of honesty, integrity and justice for all sides to not mention this, after all if a job were guaranteed many of us might welcome the opportunity...so, I suggest in the same way the government PR men like to repeat a mantra (eg 'this is fair') to inculcate belief, then we, the recipients of the policy should do likewise and begin to mention the dole queue trap that is inevitable.
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Jon, well articulated. They need to allow us to be who/what we are at the same time accepting us as full participants of the human race. I don't desire to be part of society, I AM A PART OF SOCIETY.
PS, Didn't the class eventually kidnap Pauline (and her pencils)....mmm...
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I am so depressed now I cant think who is going to give me a job? I think society really hates us and wants us out of the way it would have been kinder to just shoot us. I am too tired now to even ask for help because I know I wont get it anyway. I am not part of society I am on my own, I am scared to the point where I think my whole life has been a conspriacy. The Govt are determined to drive us to the edge, I wish I could work and not be on benefits becasue of the vilification we have had to endure with not a whimper of protest from the good old British public
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Emma, those words mean nothing when all we see is continual lip service and no real action. Most of what Mind does is only publicised on this site, a bit if a pointless exercise. And one TV appearance since 2008? Paul Farmer should be so much in the public eye that the Daily Mail are making satirical cartoons about him - that's when you know you've got your message across!
And let's not forget the shameful workfare provider bids, and all the attempts to either cover it up or try to pretend it's a good thing.
While we're on the subject of covering up, I'd like to know why you continually censor people by not posting their comments or editing them. If it was swearing/abuse it would be understandable, but you're editing people's real life experiences, you're sanitising everything and by doing so you're making it look milder or that things aren't as bad as they are. How is that giving people a voice? -
sir,
i posted a comment which has not been displayed. of course I may be premature......you are welcome to edit to make the text more palatable.However, if you intend to not display then you have my Email with which to courteously inform me of your decision as to why.thankyou.
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So pleased Panorama reflected my experience of the Atos system and so many others with mental health problems. passing my last appeal enabled me to feel I had an opportunity to focus on what would improve my condition; being failed again has made me feel ashamed, frustrated and even more depressed.
"Tough love" from the Government. How patronising can they be!
Yes I agree we need it higher up in the media agenda - we need to make a bigger noise about how unfair this is. -
Paul - you talk the talk - but how do you walk the walk? What is your personal experience of mental health issues? I'm not talking about friends or relatives - but about you personally? Have you ever had to worry about whether you can afford to buy food - or maybe toss the dice - shall I pay for food or pay for my mortgage? Can I afford to buy my children a school uniform or should I pay the gas bill? These are real dilemmas that people with mental health issues have to face....and they are not particularly pleasant. At the same time we are expected to put on a nice "smiley" face and tell all the "experts" that we are fine - because if we don't do that then "the men in white coats" might decide to "institutionalize" us and take our children away from us. You are in a position to take a stand - to do what's right - to totally distance yourself from the "dehumanising" government position - but you don't. Why? Is it really the case that money is more important than humanity - because it certainly seems that way. I'm alright Jack?? perhaps???
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One of the most sickening aspects of this, is government ministers saying, 'that work is good for people so we are trying to help them into work.' Such sophistry! So it has got nothing to do with (punishing the ill and unemployed) saving money.?
This callous attitude will reinforce many of our views that we live in a hostile world, and we will want to retreat from it even more. With this in mind, imagine if we were put in a work place situation; where it might well make our symptoms worse and not being able to cope become increasingly agitated. How is this good for us or our work colleagues?
Could Mind put adverts in the media pointing out the facts about these changes, including the fact/estimate that less than 1% of people on disability fits into the Daily Mail view of them being scroungers etc.
Why is such prejudice and hatred allowed against the ill and unemployed, when there are laws prohibiting it [prejudice] against other members of society? -
Before changing the whole of the welfare system and throwing pple out of dole, especially pple with mental health, the gov should hv educated the employers to take up employees with a history of mental health like psychotic illness etc. Where is the Job for me? So I have to die of hunger and no job or anyone to help me. Finally can the government plse pay for my funeral, I am broke now when I get some benefit, but when I woulnd get any.......I can't pay for my funeral.
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As a #counsellor now in private practice and formerly in NHS Primary Care services, I have been aware from my patients' perspectives just how difficult this is.
People with #mental #health problems often want to play down just how bad they feel and the 'system' seems to encourage this.
I have had quite a few patients very distressed with having to contend with this process at the very time when they are in fact at their most #vulnerable.
Things need to change.
While those of us working in mental health seek to reduce discrimination and stigma, the #benefits system seems to making it even harder for the most vulnerable.
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Ican only assume MIND is actually censoring comments on this blog as I cannot beleive only 20 or so comments have been written. I think you underestimate the utter pain people are going through where even their distress gets no platform. Have you ever noticed in the media articles on mental health are nearly always written by people who have never had it?They don't even elict our views, Brendan O Neill is one of them, accusing campaigners of highlighting deaths for their own cause. WEll I've got something to say to him ,There is only one thing worse than being treated as if you don't exist, it is being treated as if you NEVER existed.
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I agree 100% with "Terri Fyed" life in the FEAR of next assessment doesn't even allow me to breath ;(
Just had one in June and next one is going to be in December - so I have no even chance to properly start seeing my new therapist...
I'm terrified....
Previously when declined ESA - I got so suicidal - I just had to run to A&E, lucky I had one very close to home. I've spend there till next morning recovering, then after 1,5 year since appealing the decision was changed into my favour!! - but will ATHOS give me back my health that I've lost due to the fear, struggle with the finances, becoming homeless...&getting worse than ever before...
Can you take them to court for all the stress that could have been avoided if they just talk to my doctor, or just read my medical evidence...anyway,
Thank you for all your work MIND - please don't give up on us...!!! -
I'm just crying after reading this page - I was really hoping to find some HOPE...
I'm really scared of going to my next assessment...and being bulied by ATHOS, apparently in December - but I'm already in fear
I LOVE WORKING!!!! But my mental and physical health issues are STOPING me just now!! My body is just refusing to work...
I need support, be allowed to feel safe!!!
The more I would be pushed the worse I will get - because this is the way I'got ill - worked very, very hard...was bullied and harassed..for years - but I didn't want to give up and quit the job...finally my body just couldn't take any longer...
but this is going to be ATHOS 0 points? I have 4 limbs...doesn't matter most of the day I'cant even lift one finger, despite all my efforts...
apparently the history likes to repeats itself...shame so quickly...
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