Beyond the 'swampy lowlands': the welfare benefits of reflective practice through learning

Abstract

First paragraph: Over the past 30 years, UK welfare policies have placed increasing emphasis on activation and conditionality, drawing in previously unaffected sickness and disability benefits and claimants from the welfare periphery. People experiencing sickness and disability are more vulnerable to poverty and significant income reduction and particularly those of working age (Macmillan Cancer Support, 2006). Sickness and disability may also have an impact on the ability to retain independence, contribute to society and be valued. This in turn may limit ability to express needs and to seek advice. This may reinforce already existing barriers to communication and accessing services, underlining the value of examining to what extent practice responds to need (Lister, 2002). Patients and claimants often require access to more specialist services, enhanced standards of advice and targeted support to help manage health condition(s) and the multiple disadvantages experienced. For many patients and claimants, advice is critical yet many fail to receive the financial advice and support to which they are entitled due to a combination of lack of experience, knowledge or awareness of benefit entitlements; changing or complex claims procedures; limited or inaccessible advice provision alongside under-resourced welfare, advice and support services.