Briefing for Scottish Members of the UK Parliament- December 2000
NSF(Scotland) is a Scottish charity providing support and direct services. Our mission is to improve
the wellbeing and quality of life of those affected by schizophrenia and other mental illness, including
families and carers.
"Schizophrenia? That's Health - that's not our problem."
"Oh, yes it is."
As a Scottish member of the UK Parliament, and as you work towards the next General Election, we
are asking you to:
-
work for effective and fair therapeutic earnings
-
consider the impact on mental health of changes in disability support
-
to understand the effects of stigma on employment support
Therapeutic Earnings
A year ago, we were able to offer therapeutic work to over 40 people who were trying to get back
into the workplace. This can be offered under medical advice, and with the agreement of the Social
Security office, and gives people a chance to develop social and work skills.
Then the minimum wage came in. The earnings limit was raised from £48 a week to £58 a week so
that people could work the 16 hours a week allowed. Unfortunately most people could only earn
only £15 a week (so they did not lose housing benefit) - and working only 4 hours a week does not
give a therapeutic benefit.
The result? We now have only 15 people with therapeutic work. We have been involved with
others, particularly those involved with Social Firms, to point out this problem to central government
but it remains a barrier to providing therapeutic activity to those who would most benefit from it.
What will you do about it?
Disability Support
You have an illness which means you cannot concentrate. Your medication (and the medication to
counteract the side-effects) makes you very sleepy and depressed, having a mental illness is not
something you want to admit to and you exaggerate your abilities to cope and to work. How would
you cope with a review of your benefits (which focuses on physical disabilities) and the deadlines for
responses?
For many of those with mental illness, their benefits are the only thing that give them security of
housing and a hope of having a reasonable life. They need more help to ensure that they are given
the right support from the system.
What will you do about it?
Discrimination and employment
The Disability Discrimination Act has been used successfully by those with mental illness. But many
cannot fight the disappointments of trying to get back into work. Many also would be able to work
but only part-time.
However they would then lose out because the benefits system does not
recognise that continuing support is really required. How many people work in your office or in the
Palace of Westminster who are disabled through mental illness?
What will you do about it?
People using our drop-in centres, and our staff, would be glad to meet you and tell you about our
experiences.
We can put you in touch with our projects round the country where you can meet the
real experts - those with direct experience of the illness and their carers. Please phone our
Operations Manager, Paddy Carstairs for more information.
The NATIONAL SCHIZOPHRENIA FELLOWSHIP (SCOTLAND) is a member-led organisation which
works to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of those affected by schizophrenia and
other mental illnesses, including families and carers.
We represent the interests of our
500+ members, and our service users, and promote meaningful involvement and
empowerment of service users and carers in all support services.
NSF (SCOTLAND)
provides community based services to carers and service users, provides
information/education and promotes greater public understanding of schizophrenia.
Contact:
For general information: Ian Harper, Information Officer
To be put in touch with our projects: Paddy Carstairs, Operations manager
For information on EUFAMI: Susan Kirkwood, Chairman
Address:
NSF(SCOTLAND) Claremont House 130 East Claremont Street Edinburgh EH7 4LB
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.nsfscot.org.uk
Phone: 0131 557 8969
Fax: 0131 557 8968
