'I still have concerns about the Timms Review of PIP. Will mental health be protected?'

Big Issue readers discuss youth unemployment, the Timms Review into personal independence payment (PIP) and the cover collaboration with Harry Styles.

Responses to: Timms review recommends changes to ‘dehumanising’ PIP assessment process

I still have concerns. The Timms review mentions recognising fluctuating conditions, which is great, but there was no mention of mental health or neurodivergence specifically ADHD and autism. What I would like to know is will ADHD, autism and mental health be protected? Will they still have access to PIP or will it be, as many have feared, that it would be harder to apply for with these conditions? 

We’ve seen from Tory and Reform proposals that they believe milder conditions shouldn’t have access to PIP. This creates a hierarchy of need and restricts welfare, which is a lifeline to many. We must also remember PIP is meant to cover the extra cost of disability and can help people in work or not. 

Catherine Edgson, Surbiton

Read the document. Ignore the media headlines. There have been some good people involved. We need a solution to a complex issue.

grandma.pup, Instagram

If people don’t agree that completing the PIP application form and attending assessments are stressful and dehumanising, then they should try it themselves and see how they feel after having their whole life laid bare and scrutinised by some untrained pen pusher.

Wezz Peel, Facebook

What people without disabilities often fail to understand is that disability is not one size fits all. It is unique to the individual, and what one person needs can be completely different from another. That’s why the idea of replacing cash with vouchers is so misguided. Cash gives people the autonomy to decide for themselves how best to use it. Vouchers risk taking that choice away and replacing it with someone else’s idea of what disabled people should need.

Sarah Abbott

Not so NEET

Perspective please. There’s always been an issue with people – not just young people – being out of work
in certain areas of this country. I am originally from the council estates of Sunderland. When I was at school, we lost all our major industries, namely shipbuilding, coal mining and the glassworks. When I left school aged 15, when Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, unemployment was high. 

There were no jobs. Or, if you were lucky enough to find a job, people were paid a pittance. There was no minimum wage then. And apprenticeships were mainly technical ones for boys.

People of my late-parents’ generation lived through the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the Great Depression, six years of World War, and rationing in this country didn’t end until 1954. 

The Welfare State and the NHS were created after WWII in 1946. Prior to this, neighbours delivered babies. So, if you think you’re having it tough now, it’s not as bad as living through the 1920s, ’30s, ’40s or ’50s here.

Yes, it is tough for people of all ages (and not just young people). But try not to lose hope.

Kim Crosby, London

Read more:

• How Britain failed one million NEET young people: ‘We’re wasting a generation’s talent’
• ‘Everyone wants a job and it’s a nightmare’: What it’s like to be a NEET young person in Britain
• Youth unemployment has a ‘long-term scarring effect’ affecting finances and health decades later

Blood hounds

Just been reading about Sam and his dog Demi. It’s really good how dogs can help you through the toughest of times. Even though it’s five years since my husband died I still have bad days and Summer my greyhound is there to help. She also helps other dogs too as she’s a blood donor. 

I think this is a charity which should be more widely known as there are lots of dogs that owe their lives to dogs like Summer.

One proud dog mum, Jane 

Harry Styles cover

Yay!!!! love this collab, so perfect. 💌

amaytpwk, Instagram

Okay, this is cool.

juliachildcia, Instagram

Ordered!!! Legends, thank you. ❤️❤️

Audreymartha_, Instagram

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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