Category Archives: mental health
Fitness-for-work tests unfair on people with mental health problems, court says
Work capability assessments place those with mental health conditions at substantial disadvantage, judge concludes
Amelia Gentleman
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 22 May 2013 14.13 BST
The judge ruled that the Department for Work and Pensions had breached its duties to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ under the Equality Act to ensure that people with mental health problems were treated fairly. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters
The fitness-for-work test used to determine whether hundreds of thousands of people are eligible to claim sickness benefits substantially disadvantages people with mental health conditions, a court has ruled, in a landmark ruling hailed as a significant victory by mental health charities.
A three-judge tribunal panel ruled that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had breached its duties to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act to ensure that people with mental health problems are treated fairly by the system.
Cuts to adult social services in Norfolk are going to get worse
Norfolk County Council bosses warning over pressure on social care from ageing population
Dan Grimmer Tuesday, May 21, 2013
1:33 PM
Norfolk is facing a “significant challenge” because an ageing population is heaping pressure on social services at a time when the money to tackle the problem is shrinking, council bosses have warned.
Bosses at Norfolk County Council said the number of people contacting the council with a social care need has soared from 34,200 to 64,000 in the past five years – and is only going to increase.
And union leaders have warned that, following the problems revealed in Norfolk County Council’s children’s services department, further cuts in budgets will mean cracks could next appear in services for vulnerable adults.
Carers hit out as lifeline support service is cut by 75 per cent
WEST NORFOLK: Carers hit out as lifeline is cut
Carers say they are saved from depression by a “lifeline” support service which is losing 75 per cent of its funding.
West Norfolk Mind is looking at ways to maintain its carers support service after Norfolk County Council is slashing its budget.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) called for carers to be routinely screened for the signs of depression last week.
The charity has seen funding for the carers service go from £60,000 to £15,000. It supports 70 people who are caring for relatives with mental health issues.
Chief executive Eddie West-Burnham is calling on the county to take note of the RCGP’s comments.
He said: “For some carers, our service means everything. Some say they would not be able to carry on without the support.
chenrezig 
annie 
JaneJ 