undermine, the sense of self and confi dence and at times I have almost apologised for my existence.” (Molly) However, people used many strategies to


resist the stigmatised view of benefi t claimants and to remain hopeful about the future. Some people became activists and protested for the rights of disabled people and others drew on their communities for support. “I was just so insulted…I remember emailing


Downing Street, just complaining, and saying I thought it was hate-speak and it was disgusting.” (Frankie)


Providing humanising support This research makes it clear that our clients,


or their family members, may have distressing experiences in navigating the benefi ts system and coping with stigmatising views in society about benefi t claimants, and that this may have a signifi cant detrimental impact on their wellbeing and sense of themselves. Therefore, it is imperative that we include this part of their lives in our therapeutic work. Thinking and talking about and responding to issues such as the dehumanising experiences of our clients in relation to claiming disability benefi ts is a necessary political act (Nolte, 2017). As Morgan et al. (2019) suggest, in the light of such suff ering, it is better to ‘do something’ than to do nothing. Therefore, I invite you to take one of the following actions in order to counter some of the dehumanising experiences that our clients and their families may face.


Inside the therapy room


Consider context Ignoring the context of someone


experiencing distress due to things outside their control, such as changes in their benefi ts and related hardship, could be considered unethical (Waldegrave et al., 2003). Instead, a more contextualised, socio-politically aware approach can locate the causes of the distress at the discursive, societal or community level. A therapist and client may work together to externalise stigmatising identities, such as ‘scrounger’, and unpack the dominant discourses impacting on the client’s distress, for example the constructions of disability over time or the context of welfare reform (Epston & White, 1990).


Be knowledgeable, non- judgemental and client-centred Due to the stigma surrounding benefi ts, our


clients may not have disclosed their benefi ts status to us. This research suggests that we


Context 164, August 2019


should ask about our clients’ physical health, home situation, benefi ts status and their experiences of living as benefi ts claimants in our assessments. Providing a context where counter-narratives of respect, warmth and care are developed can be very meaningful. To counter experiences of lack of agency, we can provide a consistent, reliable relationship and, where possible, choice.


Outside the therapy room


Be an advocate As professionals in positions of relative


power, we can act as advocates for benefi t applicants in navigating the benefi ts system. This might include writing a letter of support (see resources below) and attending benefi ts assessments with those who would like an advocate. We can also signpost our clients to relevant support groups on social media and to local foodbanks.


Challenge harmful policies We have a responsibility to challenge the


stigmatising discourses that are currently dominant and to use our powerful position to amplify the voices of those who are rarely heard (Lister, 2004), for example through research or campaigning.


Broaden our infl uence It is critical that policy makers consider the


psychological and relational impact of current and future policies, including changes to the benefi ts system, on those they may aff ect. If we feel that people’s mental health is at risk, then we could lobby at a policy level to promote wellbeing and to work to prevent further distress from occurring (NHS England, 2014; Reynolds, 2010), including opposing policies that threaten the wellbeing of the vulnerable (Kinderman, 2017).


Conclusion The people who took part in this research


wanted to highlight the signifi cant ill-eff ects of the changes to the benefi ts system on claimants’ wellbeing. This occurred both directly by reducing their ability to aff ord basic necessities for living, and indirectly as a consequence on their mental health, aff ecting stress levels, mood, and their level of social isolation. However, we need not lose hope in the face of overwhelming uncertainty and distress. We can use our clinical skills to support benefi t claimants, and other marginalised groups, to contextualise their distress and to amplify their voices where unfairness occurs in our society.


Resources for clinicians who are supporting clients who are benefi t claimants: Watts, J. (n.d.) Supporting claimants: A practical guide. Asylum, downloadable from http://asylum- magazine.org/2018/08/supporting-claimants-a- practical-guide-by-jay-watts/ [Accessed 10/06/19]. Westcountry Community Psychology Group (WCP) (2017) Guidance on Writing a Good Letter of Support for PIP or ESA Applications by Clients with Mental Health Diffi culties or Disabilities, https:// citizensadviceteignbridge.org.uk/wp-content/ uploads/Med_Evidence_WCP_Guidance_ fi nal_14dec.pdf [Accessed 10/06/19].


References Alston, P. (2018) UN Poverty Expert Says UK Policies Infl ict Unnecessary Misery, 16.11.18. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/ DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=23884&LangID=E [Accessed 10/06/19]. Barr, B., Taylor-Robinson, D., Stuckler, D., Loopstra, R., Reeves, A. & Whitehead, M. (2016) ‘First, do no harm’: Are disability assessments associated with adverse trends in mental health? A longitudinal ecological study. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 70(4): 339-345. Baumberg, B. (2016) The stigma of claiming benefi ts: a quantitative study. Journal of Social Policy, 45(2): 181-199. Briant, E., Watson, N. & Philo, G. (2013) Reporting disability in the age of austerity: The changing face of media representation of disability and disabled people in the United Kingdom and the creation of new ‘folk devils’. Disability & Society, 28(6): 874-889. Duff y, S. (2014) Counting the Cuts: What the Government Doesn’t Want the Public to Know.


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Providing a humanising service for our dehumanised clients


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