Maxine Williams Outreach/Development Worker Irish Community Care Presentation for Irish in Britain Policy Action Group UNIVERSAL CREDIT 29 June 2016 Maxine Williams Outreach/Development Worker Irish Community Care

Irish Community Care Who we are Community based charitable company Mission: to respond to the health, social care and cultural needs of the Irish and Irish Traveller communities Over 60 years track record of supporting our communities and achieving excellent outcomes

Irish Community Care What we do: The best we can to ensure that people get the right opportunities and entitlements to lead decent, healthy and fulfilled lives.

Irish Community Care How do we do this: Highly skilled, knowledgeable, flexible team of staff and volunteers Service Users at the centre of our approach Holistic approach Creating partnerships and opportunities

Irish Community Care 2015 Data In 2015 we gave support to: 1709 adults and children via information, advice and support services 450 people through regular health and well being activities 350 people through community engagement events including cultural celebrations, health awareness workshops etc.

Irish Community Care 54 % Welfare Benefits

Universal Credits: Our Knowledge New Benefit Rolled out 2013 – 2017 across UK Eventually replace all benefits including Housing Benefit Wigan one of the pilot areas

ICC response to ‘Roll Out’ Awareness and information for staff Regular updates in line with changes Regular communication across the team Share information with Service Users, allaying fears and offering support

Impact on Service Users Increased anxiety and stress Concern for their future Concern for their health and well being Additional challenges for individuals and families with poor / no literacy Additional challenges for people with no access to IT or IT skills

ICC response to ‘Roll Out’ Preparing our Environment: Investment in IT at our Drop-In Service Managing use of IT through appointment system Practical changes around office based appointments Encouraging Service Users to improve literacy and IT skills

Universal Credit: Our Experience Impact has been low to date for Service Users at ICC across Wigan, Merseyside and Cheshire Liaison with DWP staff and IiB partners reinforces this trend of very few UC claims currently Slow Transition / Mopping Up old benefits

Case Study 1: Mary is an Irish Traveller who is unable to read or write This has posed many challenges: Missed appointments, difficulty remembering dates Inability to complete job search Continuous sanctions

The reality for Mary: Knock on effect on rent and council tax leading to debt and arrears Financial hardship and deprivation Threats of eviction and court proceedings Increased ANXIETY, STRESS AND POOR HEALTH

Case Study 2 Michael has Cerebral Palsy and receiving Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) Taken off SDA and given medical for ESA Failed ESA Medical, put on JSA Appealed ESA Medical Claimed ESA Reduced Rate; ended JSA Claim Ended pressure to attend back to work courses

Conclusion and Recommendations: Transition and Change poses challenges for all DWP needs to recognise involved and time consuming work of voluntary sector Importance of investment in the sector Steps to Enabling

Go raibh míle maith agaibh Irish Community Care Thank you Go raibh míle maith agaibh Any questions? Contact Details: Maxine Williams Email: maxine.williams@iccm.org.uk Telephone: 01942717999 www.iccm.org.uk