Advertisement
Opinion

Why Sunak’s benefit cuts and crackdown on ‘sick note culture’ harms children like my daughter

The prime minister should form policies to help people in the long run, like making a safer environment and tackling poverty

Recently, prime minister Rishi Sunak proposed a plan to crackdown on sick notes and disability benefits. Calling it “sick note culture” is a judgemental announcement made in a very insensitive way. Generalising people is not a suitable approach for a person responsible for making policies.  

Politicians and policy makers are a very important part of any nation, as they have the power to make strategic decisions and formulate policies to support citizens accordingly. It’s unfortunate that the prime minister fails to recognise that, for people living on low incomes or who are struggling financially, the cost of living remains a real barrier. Does he not know how people on low income backgrounds remain unheard, remain on waiting lists for years, without adequate support, and it can lead to long-term harm?  

My daughter suffers on a daily basis. She, like many children who are suffering with mental health issues, remained unheard because of long waiting lists. When her school managed to arrange some support, it made a massive difference on her learning and achievements. I was so appreciative.  

Unfortunately we are back at square one, having to change schools because of a house move and the recent school refused any support. They told us there are not enough funds and services available to meet her mental health needs. I couldn’t protest as we are left with no options.  

The NHS is massively underfunded and overwhelmed staff are not to be blamed: is it not the duty of the government to provide quality healthcare and accessible services to our younger generation for the prosperity of our future?  

The healthcare system and social security should be interlinked. A lot of unwell people are not getting the right financial support because they are not aware of what they are entitled to following a diagnosis or disability.  

Advertisement
Advertisement

In my own experience, claiming benefits because of my health was a difficult process. Filling in long complicated forms, accessing and providing the relevant documentation, and agents who made judgmental and insensitive remarks. I hate going to the Jobcentre as it feels like a punishment.  

The health system is not as straightforward and supportive as it’s being portrayed in the media. The prime minister’s proposal further stigmatises mental health. As a sufferer of chronic anxiety and depression I can tell you that there is a massive difference between feeling sad and having panic attacks. Feeling anxious is not the same as anxiety disorder because you are not able to function properly. My social anxiety gives me physical symptoms and I have to take medication every time I need to go out. 

I agree, for some it can be beneficial to start work for the betterment of depression but if the workplace can not do much to accommodate the needs of the individuals then it is better for them to be signed off for a while, to get better.  

I would like to ask, why is there a rapid increase in disability and mental health problems? Why are people suffering and going without basic necessities in this day and age?  

The prime minister should make policies to actually help people in the long run. Making a safer environment, tackling poverty, and reducing discrimination, can drastically improve mental health. A safety net in the time of crisis is necessary.  

Izzy G takes part in the​​Changing Realities project, working with more than 100 parents and carers across the UK and the University of York to document life on a low-income and push for change. 

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? We want to hear from you. Get in touch and tell us more.

Advertisement

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

Read All
The budget was a start from Labour – but we need much more to transform disabled people's lives
rachel reeves preparing for autumn budget
Chloe Schendel-Wilson

The budget was a start from Labour – but we need much more to transform disabled people's lives

Big Shaq comedian Michael Dapaah: 'Young people are the future – I want to help them to thrive'
Michael Dapaah

Big Shaq comedian Michael Dapaah: 'Young people are the future – I want to help them to thrive'

Labour's autumn budget was another failure to make real change for disabled people
rachel reeves
Mikey Erhardt

Labour's autumn budget was another failure to make real change for disabled people

'No two prisoners are the same': 6 ways we can break the UK prison system's cycle of failure
prison leavers
Sid Madge

'No two prisoners are the same': 6 ways we can break the UK prison system's cycle of failure

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue