Parliament, MP's, Lobby and Benefits

 Many disabled people are unable to work for a variety of reasons and unfortunately have to rely on the benefit system. It's NOT something we choose to do. It's NOT something we want to do. To be honest with you it's horrible, soul destroying, worrying and makes you feel as though you are at the bottom of the social pile. Some people assume that we are scroungers and can't be bothered to work. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am an educated woman. I am degree and post graduate level educated. I had a very good job in the financial services industry. I earned money that enabled myself and my family to live comfortably and not worry about where the funds were coming from to pay the bills or to pay for a holiday.


I've always had problems with my joints. My first surgery was when I was 12 years old. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Sjogrens Syndrome and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (HMS) that's just the tip of the iceberg. Unfortunately things progressed to the point where I couldn't maintain a working life. The amount of hospital appointments I need to attend, the flare ups, the fatigue and the pain got to the point where I was signed off from work indefinitely and my employer could no longer support me and keep my role available. I was dismissed on medical grounds in March 2014 leaving me reliant on the benefits system.


I've spent the last 3-4 years campaigning for the awareness of invisible illnesses and conditions to be recognised, for sufferers and carers to have support and for the stigma to be reduced or removed. I've been lucky to part of a number of campaigns for Arthritis Research UK which is a fantastic charity. Today was one of those days that the charity asked me to be part of.


We arrived at the Houses of Parliament on a chilly winters day for the mass lobby of parliament for the #benefitslobby. I don't know about you but the cold really affects my arthritis and my joints dislike it hugely.

We had an appointment time secured to speak to my MP Dame Angela Watkinson to discuss the Welfare Reform and Work Bill where the government are planning to on reducing the benefits that support many disabled people like myself. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous. I know how much this means to people and I felt that a lot was riding on how I was able to communicate with my MP. The subject is one close to home and I wanted to do my best not only for the charity but also for people like myself.


Westminster Hall is an impressive hall steeped in history.....and cold. The Normans didn't install central heating way back when :-) We found a seat round a table and waited for the MP to arrive.


Dame Angela Watkinson listened closely to what the representatives from Arthritis Research UK had to say, statistics were given...."30% of families with a disabled member are in poverty"......that's 30% too much! It really is shocking. Then it was my turn.....I tried my best to explain how reducing disability benefits and ESA in particular would leave people like myself worse off. That the money helps pay for transport costs to and from the multitude of hospital appointments we have to attend. That if the benefit was reduced we would struggle to pay for council tax, utility bills and food. I emphasised that we do not choose to live like this and we are in this predicament through no fault of our own. I would love to work but my conditions don't allow it. I know that I will be paying for this day tomorrow and the next day. Tonight and tomorrow I will need to rest to get over being part of something important today. As I am writing this the fatigue is kicking in and my joints are burning  and yet on the outside I look 'well'.


When we arrived at the Houses of Parliament we are ushered through airport style security. The security personnel are kind and helpful but one asks "what have you done?" I explain that I have arthritis to which he replies "I'm sorry, have you tried copper bracelets?" I smiled, told him not to be sorry as its not something I can help, it is what it is, and yes I had tried copper bracelets. That's the thing with chronic illnesses, there is always someone who has that magic 'cure'. They are well meaning however it can wear a bit thin when it is something that continuously crops up in conversation.


Today has had a positive outcome. Dame Angela Watkinson has agreed to look further into the Welfare Reform and Work Bill, my story has hopefully made an impact. Our MP's only see the reports and figures. It is important for them to hear real life stories of how their constituent's are impacted by such proposed changes. It makes it more 'real' we stop being statistics and start being people. I really felt that I was listened to and my opinion mattered. That is what we want from our MP's.

With Dame Angela Watkinson MP

             With Arthritis Research UK Representative





 
Today has been one of those days that I will remember for a long time to come. Its a day that I can say I am truly proud to have been a part of and I hope that I have been able to make a difference.






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