Easy Read Awareness Poster / PowerPoint: Impact of Benefit Cuts (UK 2015)

 

🎯 Title Slide / Header

“Understanding the Impact of Benefit Cuts on Vulnerable People”

• Icon suggestion: ⚖️ (justice/scales) or 🏠 (home/support)

• Large, clear text, color-coded sections

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🟡 Human Impact

What happens when support is cut?

• Increased anxiety and depression

• Higher risk of suicide

• Homelessness and hunger

• Stress-related illness

• Financial hardship and debt
  Icon suggestion: 😟 / 💔

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🟢 Interconnected Challenges

How benefits, disability, and mental health link together

• Learning disabilities often come with mental health issues

• Financial cuts increase stress and worsen health

• Lack of support reduces independence and safety
  Icon suggestion: 🔗 / 🧩

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🔵 Communication Problems

Why unclear letters and calls are harmful

• Unexpected letters cause panic

• Vague language increases anxiety

• Appointments without notice are hard to manage

• Face-to-face explanations are more helpful
  Icon suggestion: 📬 / 🗨️

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🧠 Healthcare & Support

Cuts affect care and health

• Hard to get to appointments without transport

• Risk of malnutrition or injury without help at home

• Staff need training to understand vulnerable people’s needs
  Icon suggestion: 🏥 / 👩‍⚕️

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🗣️ Employment Challenges

Work policies vs support policies

• Some pushed into jobs without proper help

• Loss of PIP can stop people from working safely

• Workplaces may not be adapted to individual needs
  Icon suggestion: 💼 / ⚠️

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💡 Key Messages

• Stress from benefit cuts can be life-threatening

• Vulnerable people need clear, respectful communication

• Empathy, understanding, and advocacy are essential

• Policy decisions affect health, safety, and independence
  Icon suggestion: 💡 / ❤️

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🛠️ What Can You Do?

• Provide support and advocacy

• Give clear, accessible information (Easy Read)

• Understand the link between disability, mental health, and financial stress

• Recognize the human cost behind statistics
  Icon suggestion: 🤝 / 📝

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📌 Resources / Help

• Citizens Advice, Mind, Mencap, Scope (UK)

• Samaritans for crisis support

• Local support groups for financial, mental health, and disability advice
  Icon suggestion: 📞 / 🌐

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Design Notes:

• Each section color-coded (matching Easy Read style: 🟡🟢🔵🧠🗣️🛠️)

• Short lines, large font, friendly icons

• Use visuals to show stress, support, and communication clearly

• Optional: add checkboxes or callouts to engage participants