Thursday, 8 May 2025

Workshop: Understanding Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, and the Impact of Benefit Cuts

 

Your powerful statement, "Just remember our lives matter as much as yours!" serves as a crucial reminder of the fundamental right of all individuals, regardless of disability, to receive equitable, respectful, and life-saving healthcare. Your continued advocacy and willingness to share your experiences are vital in pushing for the necessary changes within the NHS to ensure that the tragic stories of the past are not repeated.

 Thank you for sharing your draft workshop session for 1st and 2nd year students on learning disability, mental health, and benefit cuts. The structure is clear and passionate, but I recommend tightening the language and improving flow to ensure the session is accessible, professional, and impactful. Here's a refined version that maintains your content but improves clarity, grammar, and tone.


What is Mental Health?

  • Many disabilities are linked to mental health problems.
  • Disabilities can affect people physically, mentally, and emotionally.
  • Mental disabilities directly affect the mind, which can increase the risk of mental health issues.
  • Physical disabilities can limit an individual's ability to function in daily life.

Money Problems and Benefit Cuts

  • Around 9 out of 10 vulnerable people struggle to afford basic needs after losing their benefits (e.g., food, rent, bills).
  • Many end up borrowing money from friends, family, services, or taking out loans.
  • Winning an appeal doesn’t always mean receiving enough money to repay debts.
  • People risk hunger, debt, and homelessness when benefits are stopped.
  • Constant money worries can increase anxiety and other mental health issues.

Icebreaker Activity

  • Turn to the person next to you and talk about what you hope to learn today.
  • Write your answer on a Post-it note and stick it on the board.
  • Thank you for sharing!

Aims and Objectives for Today

  • Define what learning disabilities and mental health problems are.
  • Increase awareness of the needs and rights of people with disabilities.
  • Explore and challenge attitudes, values, and behaviors.
  • Learn the basics of producing clear and accessible information.

The Impact of Benefit Cuts

  • Many people are declared “fit for work” by DWP or Atos despite having serious health needs.
  • Some are forced into jobs or situations they cannot manage without support.
  • While many disabled people can work, proper support, safety, and understanding are crucial.
  • Cuts have reduced access to essential services and support systems.
  • Risks include:
    • Injuries or accidents at work
    • Malnutrition or hunger
    • Increased suicide rates
    • Severe debt
    • Worsening health

Example article:
Feeding the homeless banned in Westminster


Group Discussion: What Do These Terms Mean to You?

  • What do “learning disability” and “mental health problem” mean to you?
  • Get into groups of four and discuss.
  • You have 15 minutes. Please give feedback to the group afterwards.

Stresses Caused by Benefit Cuts

  • Stress and poverty can worsen health conditions like anxiety, epilepsy, asthma, diabetes, and depression.
  • Many have felt hopeless and taken overdoses or ended their own lives.
  • Benefit cuts have real and serious effects on people’s physical and emotional well-being.

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