Hi folks,
I am writing to invite you/your group to take part in a local consultation event about Social Security in Scotland. The event will take place in Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre on Wednesday 26th October from 10 – 12.30.
The event has been organised in conjunction with the Poverty Alliance who have been running these sessions throughout Scotland during the last couple of months. We are keen to ensure that people from North Edinburgh who have experience of the current system are able to take part in the process and have their voices heard.
We will use the first part of the session to identify the issues people have with the current system. The second part of the session will deal with the new welfare powers which will be transferred to the Scottish Government next year (eg DLA, PIP, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance, Maternity Grants, Cold weather payments, winter fuel payments, discretionary housing payments and some powers relating to Universal Credit). The Scottish Government will be using the evidence gathered during this consultation process to shape the new Social Security System in Scotland.
A crèche has been arranged to allow people with pre-school children to participate, however, it might be busy so please book in advance. A free lunch will be provided in the café afterwards.
The consultation process ends on Friday 28 October so it is important to get the word out and involve as many people as possible. Feel free to bring along anyone you think would be interested in taking part.
I have copied a link to the trailer for the new Ken Loach film I, Daniel Blake which highlights many of the problems with the current system. The film will be released on Friday 21 October. There are plans to organise a local screening early in the new year and more information on this will be available on the 26th. I’ve also included a link to an article about the film which provides a bit more information.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5168192/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36355313
Looking forward to seeing you all on the 26th.
Best wishes
Lynn