“Deaf and Disabled people’s organisations (DDPOs) offer a lifeline, providing essential advice, support and advocacy to enable people to live independent and fulfilling lives. Yet our research shows these organisations are at breaking point, with a lack of sustainable funding and challenges in recruiting, training and retaining skilled staff,” said Liz Bayram, CEO of AdviceUK.
Critical Services at Risk:
A survey of 247 independent advice-giving organisations across the UK paints a bleak picture with more than a third (35%) not confident they have the funds to continue operating beyond the next year. Analysis of DDPO organisations shows an even bleaker picture with more than 4 out of 10 (41%) saying they are not confident they can continue.
Almost two-thirds (62%) of DDPOs say they are not confident they can meet demand – even more than the 55% of other, non-DDPO advice-giving organisations.
DDPOs depend upon highly trained, professional staff to help Deaf and Disabled people navigate complex legal systems, access benefits or challenge unfair decisions. Yet worryingly, more than half of respondents (52%) say they find it ‘extremely’ or ‘very challenging’ to recruit and retain staff. This is almost double the number of non-DDPO advice-giving organisations.
More than half of staff working in DDPOs are Deaf or Disabled themselves, yet our research shows that 1 in 5 (21%) rate their wellbeing as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.
Liz Bayram continued, “For Deaf and Disabled people, who can face additional challenges and very often an uphill battle to get the support they need, DDPOs offer a lifeline. With a government review underway on supporting disabled people in work, it is vital that its recommendations genuinely meet the needs of Deaf and Disabled people and ensures that those who may be unable to work are not forgotten.”
Deaf and Disabled people’s voices:
Charlotte, who has PTSD, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, was unable to work following a breakdown caused by work stress. She faced overwhelming debt and battled to get appropriate support for many years.
“I was at complete crisis point, but the Disability Law Service provided practical help and restored my confidence. I’ll forever be grateful for their life-changing support.”
Matthew, who has a significant hearing impairment and other long-term health conditions, credits his local Deaf and Disabled people’s organisation with saving him from financial despair.
“I was really anxious – I was up at night worrying about not having enough money. If it hadn’t been for their help, I would still be struggling to get by. I feel very lucky to have had their support.
Andrew MacKay, CEO of Disability Law Service, said: “We all want to live our lives free from poverty, inequality, and injustice. Yet for many Deaf and Disabled people, complex bureaucracy, systemic challenges, and institutional discrimination often stand in the way.
“Charlotte and Marion's experiences reflect these struggles, made worse by limited access to legal and welfare advice. Each year, Disability Law Service helps over 5,000 Deaf and Disabled people secure their rights and access to justice, but growing demand and declining funding is increasingly putting this vital support at risk.”
Caroline Collier, CEO of Inclusion Barnet and coordinator of Campaign for Disability Justice, said: “We all want a decent life for ourselves and our loved ones, but two million disabled people in the UK are living in deep poverty: something the Campaign for Disability Justice is campaigning to change.
“At a time when the safety net is weak, properly funded DDPO advice providers are vital to ensure that people understand and access the support that is still available.”
The Urgent Need for Action:
Through the Advice Saves campaign, AdviceUK is highlighting the critical role of advice services in supporting people in crisis and to call for sustainable funding solutions. The campaign is advocating for:
- Sustainable funding solutions, including mandated local authority support to secure the future of advice services.
- A cross-departmental advice sector strategy to ensure free, independent accessible advice throughout the UK
- A workforce development strategy to support staff recruitment, development and retention.
In addition, we are asking government to work alongside deaf and disabled people and DDPOs to co-produce recommendations for employment support reform as part of the upcoming independent review.