Truth About Disability Benefits: Dispatches

[lankou]

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/truth-about-disability-benefits-dispatches

There’s a programme on Friday that the DWP really don’t want you, or anyone else, to watch. The Truth About Disability Benefits is being shown at 7.30pm on Friday on Channel 4. It’s a Dispatches documentary investigating the unexpected deaths of disabled benefits claimants, including those who have taken their own lives. It’s been scheduled at short notice, which is why we’re taking the very unusual step of sending out an email between our normal newsletters. Because the DWP will be taking very careful note of viewing figures for this programme. And desperately hoping that it attracts a smaller audience than usual, as proof that there really isn’t any great public interest in the lives and deaths of benefits claimants. If that’s the case, they can carry on denying there’s a problem and keep on covering up the suffering inflicted on disabled claimants by a heartless system. But the more people who watch the documentary, the harder it will be for the department to brush aside its findings. And the more likely that others will begin investigating the secrecy surrounding almost everything the DWP does. John Pring, founder of the Disability News Service, has been fighting tirelessly for many years to highlight the blood on the hands of the DWP. And he has been involved from the very start in the making of this documentary. John told us: "It's taken about three years to get this programme made, dating back to my initial approaches to production companies. “I'm really grateful to disabled film-maker Richard Butchins for making it happen and making such a powerful film, and for the patience of the families who have stuck with the project, and agreed to share their stories. “Those stories are shocking. What is almost as shocking is that we are still waiting for an in-depth, independent inquiry into DWP's repeated failures over the last decade - and even earlier than that - to learn from its mistakes and make its assessment system safe. “Countless disabled people have died because of that failure. We need an inquiry now." The documentary is both filmed and presented by Richard Butchins, who’s had his own personal experience of dealing with the DWP. Some of the relatives of deceased claimants are speaking out on television for the first time, to explain how the system contributed to the deaths of their loved ones. There’s also testimony from a whistle-blower from inside the department who talks of staff having a dismissive and mocking attitude toward claimants.  And the film features findings from a survey which many hundreds of Benefits and Work readers took part in. Your responses highlight the devastating impact of the benefits system on the mental and physical health of claimants. So please, tune in on Friday yourself, if you feel able.  And spread the word to everyone you think might be interested. The Truth About Disability Benefits: Dispatches, Channel 4, Friday 17 December, 7.30pm Good luck, Steve Donnison[/size][/font][/t] [/t][/t][/c][/t][/size][/color] [size=0px] [/size][/t][/t][/c][/t][/t][/t][/t][/font][/color]

[Sunny Clouds]

Thanks for that.

[Fiz]

I wish my phone would let me copy that so that I could share it

[ditchdwellers]

Thanks.  Disturbing and needs a wide audience so more people can see how despicable the DWP can be.

[Sunny Clouds]

I don't have a television plugged in and don't have my computer set up for live television, so I hope they put this on Youtube afterwards.  I used to watch some Channel 4 on their website but had some problems.  I'm seriously tempted to ask neighbours whether any will be watching it so I can watch it with them.

[Fiz]

License free I couldn't watch it live so have been looking for it on catch up but can't find it. Did it air last night?

[Sunny Clouds]

I've been looking to see if it's on Youtube, but it's not there either, unless there's an unofficial copy with a different name.

[ditchdwellers]

It did air last night but I couldn't find it easily. Mind you,  my tablet is extremely old and the operating system is no longer fully supporting some of the apps so this probably has something to do with it.
I managed to get to it using the link in the original post - thanks Iankou. I just had a look on the Channel 4 website and it appears to be showing for me. I tried to get a link to copy and paste but it wouldn't let me do it.


The programme was harrowing. The bereaved relatives that were interviewed were incredibly dignified throughout, whilst my husband and I were shouting in frustration and anger at the injustice and unnecessary suffering that the benefit claimants and their families were subjected to. It's wicked and inhumane.


Brilliantly researched programme and I sincerely hope that the DWP, coroner's court, and social services step up and actually take note of the points raised. I worry that it will be more of the usual 'lessons learned ' , and 'undertake a review ' that nobody will ever read , just like the previous times and nothing will change. Or am I being cynical?

[Sunny Clouds]

My cynicism says it'll only change if the government thinks it may affect their voter base.

[lankou]

Now on Channel 4 Iplayer:-


https://www.channel4.com/programmes/truth-about-disability-benefits-dispatches

[Sunny Clouds]

I just registered but I can't get it to play.  I tried three different browsers so it can't be the browser that's the problem.  Daft.  I suppose I shall just have to wait and see if it comes on Youtube, either official or pirate.

[lankou]

I just registered but I can't get it to play.  I tried three different browsers so it can't be the browser that's the problem.  Daft.  I suppose I shall just have to wait and see if it comes on Youtube, either official or pirate.

I have just tried  it, it works but there is a long delay.

[Sunny Clouds]

I clicked on it at 8pm and it didn't play.  I've been returning to it again and again but an hour later it still hasn't started playing.  Maybe it just doesn't like my browser. 

Oh well maybe tomorrow.

[Fiz]

I will have another go tomorrow, hadn't realised there was a link in the op 

[Sunny Clouds]

I usually use Firefox but tried both Explorer and Opera, none of which are particularly up-to-date, but usually there's nothing I can't access on them.  All just resulted in that little circle thing that means it's loading, wait.

Mind you, where I live, some of us now regard Virgin as a swear word.  Talking with certain people I know, I'd make a point of treating it like one, referring to the v-word, or writing v*rg*n.  Maybe it's easier if you're somewhere where the internet connection isn't completely inadequate for local needs.