02.09.10
Benefits changes may cause “anxiety” but could help others
Changes planned by the Government to state benefits, health and social care services may have an “anxiety provoking” impact on some people who already have fragile mental health.
However the changes may help others with similiar mental health conditions succeed in securing employment says a senior Sussex NHS manager.
Some people will need more support to prevent their mental health relapsing and they’ll need special care to ensure they are supported adequately to cope with changes.
The Department for Work and Pensions has outlined changes to benefit rules which will see a reduction in many claimants’ benefits including for housing.
Dr Richard Ford, Executive Commercial Director of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said, “For people with mental health, learning disability and substance misuse problems, the proposed welfare reforms will probably have greater impact than any other changes.
“These people have faced stigma and discrimination when trying to find or stay in employment. They have also found the process of moving from benefits to work very difficult to manage and anxiety provoking.
“Many will find changes to the welfare system very threatening. Some people will have disabilities that mean they cannot work and they will wonder if they will no longer be eligible for benefits.
“However the proposed changes could be excellent news if people who face significant prejudice and discrimination are at last helped to get jobs that they want.”
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