This week sees the launch of the next phase of our Advice Saves campaign to raise awareness of the life-changing role of Deaf and Disabled people’s organisations (DDPOs) for thousands of Deaf and Disabled people and their families across the UK. Our research reveals the stark realities facing DDPOs as they grapple with surging demand and critical funding shortages. With almost all (93%) DDPOs seeing a rise in demand and almost two-thirds (62%) reporting they are unable to meet this demand, our campaign warns that the future of services supporting the most vulnerable in our society is at risk.
Our survey of 265 independent advice-giving organisations across the UK, including additional research of 29 DDPOs, paints a bleak picture. The funding landscape for all independent advice services is precarious. More than a third (35%) of all respondents responding to our survey said they weren’t confident they had funds to continue operating beyond the next year. Alarmingly, this concern is even greater among DDPOs with more than 41% saying they are not confident they can continue.
DDPOs depend upon highly trained, professional staff to help Deaf and Disabled people navigate complex legal systems, access benefits or challenge unfair decisions. Yet worryingly, more than half of respondents (52%) say they find it ‘extremely’ or ‘very challenging’ to recruit and retain staff. This is almost double the number of all advice-giving organisations responding to the survey.
More than half of staff working in DDPOs are Deaf or Disabled themselves – they not only provide specialist advice but also ensure Deaf and Disabled people play a central role in shaping their services; ensuring their lived experiences drive the support their organisations provide. Yet worryingly, our research shows that 1 in 5 (21%) rate their wellbeing as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.
Liz Bayram, CEO of AdviceUK, said:
“Deaf and Disabled people’s organisations (DDPOs) offer a lifeline, providing essential advice, support and advocacy to enable people to live independent and fulfilling lives. Yet our research shows they are at breaking point, with a lack of sustainable funding and challenges in recruiting, training and retaining skilled staff.”
Liz Bayram continued:
“With a government review underway on supporting Disabled people in work, it is vital that its recommendations genuinely meet the needs of Deaf and Disabled people and ensures that those who may be unable to work are not forgotten.
“At a time of rising demand and shrinking resources, DDPOs are the last line of support for many. We cannot afford to let these lifelines disappear.”
Andrew MacKay, CEO of Disability Law Service and one of our member organisations supporting our Advice Saves campaign, said: “We all want to live our lives free from poverty, inequality, and injustice. Yet for many Deaf and Disabled people, complex bureaucracy, systemic challenges, and institutional discrimination often stand in the way.
“Each year, Disability Law Service helps over 5,000 Deaf and Disabled people secure their rights and access to justice, but growing demand and declining funding is increasingly putting this vital support at risk.”
Caroline Collier, CEO of Inclusion Barnet, AdviceUK member and coordinator of Campaign for Disability Justice, said: “We all want a decent life for ourselves and our loved ones, but two million disabled people in the UK are living in deep poverty: something the Campaign for Disability Justice is campaigning to change.
“At a time when the safety net is weak, properly funded DDPO advice providers are vital to ensure that people understand and access the support that is still available.”
Voices of Deaf and Disabled people: new report and film launched
To highlight the positive impact of Deaf and Disabled people’s organisations we have launched a new report, Voices of Deaf and Disabled people, and a new film featuring the stories of Deaf and Disabled clients and the staff who support them.
You can also hear first-hand from clients and their advisers in our case studies series. These include Charlotte, a former barrister who has PTSD, ADHD, and probable Autism Spectrum Disorder, who was unable to work following a breakdown and faced overwhelming debt until Disability Law Service stepped in. And Femi, a Disabled person who struggled to get the support he needed who is now a trainee advice worker determined to help other Deaf and Disabled people access the support they are entitled to.
