A great many of Caring Together’s blog-posts relate to the groups and projects that we run and organise, in part, I suppose, due to their obvious visual impact. However, much of Caring Togethers work is behind the scenes and out of camera shots. The information, advice and individual support that we offer is a vitally  important aspect of our work and is often the entry point into Caring Together for many people.We have made a decision to start highlighting this work on our web pages as the individual stories give a reflection on both the range of issues that we encounter and can help with, and also the individual experiences of many of our members. The following is one such tribulation experienced by a member that seems pointless and unnecessary. 

Caring Together has recently been providing support to a long term member in relation to his benefits. The man, in his early sixties, had been receiving ESA as he was not well enough to work. He underwent a review assessment of this benefit and was advised by letter that he had not secured enough points and his benefit was stopped. He contacted Caring Together who helped him in applying for a mandatory reconsideration and explained to them why he should qualify given the circumstances of his health. Caring Together also helped him in instigating a PIP claim. The member was advised by ESA to put in a claim for JSA. The member was then admitted to hospital with a life threatening condition. While in hospital he received a letter stating that he had been granted JSA. The member explained the situation to staff at the hospital who gave JSA the details of the members’ condition. When the member came out of hospital Caring Together also contacted JSA and provided them with discharge evidence.
The member contacted JSA and cancelled the claim as he was unavailable for work. He tried to make a new claim for ESA but was informed that he would not be able to do this as reconsideration was still in progress. He cannot put in an appeal until the mandatory reconsideration has been turned down.

He has had no income since the 20th September and has survived up until now on a small amount of savings. This issue is ongoing.

Caring Together continue to support him in this matter and in a variety of other ways.