A report recently published by Rethink about Deaths and Serious Harm in the Benefits System sets out the stages of the benefit system that have been associated with deaths and serious harm and the problems with the processes currently used to investigate cases and learn lessons.
Rethink Mental Illness are calling on the Government to:
▪ establish a full public inquiry into benefit related deaths and cases of serious harm and
▪ set up an independent body to investigate future cases of death or serious harm in the benefits system.
tip-of-the-iceberg.pdf (rethink.org)
Here in Derbyshire there is already significant positive work in this sector to support residents who are accessing benefits, to protect and promote their wellbeing; alongside considerations around staff support.
However, if you are wondering about what more you can do as an individual or an organisation (to support both clients and staff) here is a short list of things to consider, that may be helpful to explore further (if you’ve not already).
- Involvement in Financial Inclusion Groups in Derbyshire, which bring together local partners to work better together around supporting people who face difficulties in the benefits system and/or financial hardship.
- Derbyshire Mental Health Training Mental health training - Derbyshire County Council
To increase your awareness and confidence around mental health there is a range of training available to access
Household Finance Changes from October 2021
In addition, there are some upcoming measures being introduced which may have an adverse financial impact on households. There is an information sheet developed by Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover Financial Inclusion Group (FIG). The support measures are focussed on these areas but similar support exists in each District in Derbyshire.
Information compiled and shared by James Creaghan, Derbyshire Public Health Lead for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention/Public Health Lead for Chesterfield Locality, Derbyshire County Council |
