Established 2005 Registered Charity No. 1110656

Scottish Charity Register No. SC043760

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April – May 2025 : Second Chances READ ONLINE

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Cuts deep

April 01 2025

The government announced benefit cuts in March that will affect millions and inflict misery on vulnerable people. An impassioned piece on what welfare can mean to people, by Greta Gillett

For many years I was made to believe that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) was only for physical disabilities. I have had serious mental illness since I was a teenager (I am now in my late 40s).

Eventually, with more information, I made an application. My form was half-filled and I was called for an interview. I was put in a room with two men, they closed the door and proceeded to ask me to twirl a hula hoop around my body. On my form it said I have complex severe trauma from both childhood and adult abuse, I became very disturbed and shouted “why are you doing this?” before running out the building.

Eight years later and after further health deterioration, a charity supported me with my application and I was granted PIP. This enabled me to take on part-time work and spend more time with my children, greatly improving my quality of life.

Last year my PIP was increased as my health deteriorated and can now access specialist therapy which is not available on the NHS. This support has saved my life.

I am an artist, writer and poet working part-time for the NHS, helping to advocate for my fellow service users.

I write for this magazine and sometimes my artwork is shown in libraries. I speak about my experiences of homelessness, domestic violence and my health. 

Art heals and soothes in a fractious world and I am proud to say people have told me my work has given them hope as they have felt seen in my work.

I need PIP support on days I am too unwell to get out of bed so that on my better days I can create art to share with the world.
Because the NHS is so fractured, I get no support other than prescriptions, my financial support from PIP is my lifeline to access transport taking me to medical appointments, food when I am unable to cook and the therapy I've been recommended for over 30 years.
This government’s disability cuts terrify me.

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April – May 2025 : Second Chances

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