The devastating impact of the UK government’s austerity measures on life expectancy is explored in a new book by David Walsh and Gerry McCartney UofG School of Health & Wellbeing that calls out politicians for a ‘dereliction of public health duty’. Read more ➡️ gla.ac/3ZfjOTJ UofG MVLS

This #IDPD2024 , we want to remind duty-bearers that urgent action is needed to protect disabled people's rights. Last year we reported to the United Nations that increasing poverty rates were affecting disabled people’s right to live independently at home, forcing some into hospital or

"If you take a human rights based approach to policy making and resource allocation, then you set out to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of everyone." - Angela O'Hagan We heard about Scottish Human Rights Commission' work with rural communities this week. Catch up: ow.ly/4ws250UGHQW

We worked alongside Human Rights Defenders to create a new tool for people with learning disabilities, autistic people & their families. We hope it helps them to challenge the injustice of institutionalisation & realise the right to independent living. Read it:

We know how to do better. This is a great piece of work by Scottish Human Rights Commission, putting the spotlight on a national shame. The report is a template for how to use human rights measurement for accountability. It also provides a toolkit for human rights defenders. C-Change Scotland

The irony of this hostile environment for disabled people is that it's led to people desperately trying to hold on to any support they secure, fearing taking any risks such as trying to work, & often becoming more unwell due the stress the system causes independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-n…

As essential services increasingly move online, it's important for older people who are offline to not be forgotten. Access to easy offline routes need to be preserved. Sign our petition to stop online being the only option: bit.ly/48Y4K0K

The gap in life expectancy between Britain's poorest and richest areas is now 26 years. That's class politics.

In this week’s #podcast I argue why the failure of both Scottish and UK governments to properly #finance #socialcare assaults the #humanrights of some of our key citizens. The #budget choices being made is an affront on their #dignity. creators.spotify.com/pod/show/donal…

Government disability benefit cuts already causing fear and self harm

What Labour is proposing is far from welfare reform, it is state-sanctioned violence against some of the most vulnerable in our society. We urgently call on the UK Government to change course and shelf these plans and indefensible cuts #DisabilityBenefits #DisabilityRights

Every politician who doesn’t oppose these cuts - you will see more of these horrific situations. Can you sit back and let that happen? Imagine this was someone you love. #DisabilityBenefits #SpringStatement

With #mecfs, the aerobic energy system is damaged. Cells can't produce enough energy for basic activities: showering, dressing, digestion, standing, walking, talking & even thinking. Pushing ourselves to exercise worsens symptoms so sharply that we can become permanently sicker.

They haven't thought this through at all have they? The Labour Party Liz Kendall Rachel Reeves - Who is going to pay the carers? Are you going on a massive recruitment drive for professional PAID carers to replace UNPAID ones?

Further evidence that attacking disabled people and unpaid carers is a folly...

Tomorrow's a key event in #MEAwarenessWeek - Blue Sunday, the tea party for ME 🫖 Run by Anna Redshaw for 13 years 💙 More info on Anna's website: the-slow-lane.com/blue-sunday-20… We would be so grateful if you choose to support us by selecting #MEAction UK on the donations page. Thanks!

Almost one-half of families with children in poverty who are not working contain an adult with a disability or limiting health condition. Read more in our recent research on child poverty ⤵️ buff.ly/hbdiilh

150,000 carers due to lose Carers Allowance. The biggest cuts to carers benefits since Carers Allowance was first established in 1976. 1.2 million carers living in poverty. 400,000 carers living in deep poverty already. These are the inequalities I’d like to highlight.

Josh is 21 and has severe learning disabilities and autism. Four years ago, he was admitted to an inpatient unit, and his parents were told it would just be for three months while he was assessed. HE NEVER CAME HOME! Why are these loved ones still trapped in a broken system?

Keir Starmer may declare he’s working for “people who work hard” but he refuses to recognise unpaid carers as working Saving the government billions 47% work 90+ hrs a week for less than £1 an hour UN Human Rights - when will the exploitation of unpaid carers be addressed?