Scottish Government appeal for disabled people to join experience panels

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Please see information below about two social security initiatives currently underway. We would appreciate your help and support to promote these widely to all those with an interest particularly with a view to encouraging local participation.

Experience Panels

At least 2,000 people with direct personal experience of the current social security system are being recruited to help shape Scotland’s new system.

Experience Panels made up of people from across the country who use the current system will give their views on the design of Scotland’s new system and how to build and refine a better model.

Registration is now live and people can do so online and by post. A free phone-line is also available for those who do not have online access or need any additional support.

Freephone: 0800 029 4974 (includes language line translation)

Scottish Ministers have made clear they want to reach as many people with recent experience of benefits as possible, and it is crucial to get a wide representation across all of the devolved benefits.

We would welcome your help with this and ask that you promote the Experience Panels widely across your local networks and communication channels.

More information about the Experience Panels is available at:www.gov.scot/socialsecurity

Twitter: @scotgovfairer #scotsocialsecurity

Benefits Take-up Campaign

The first phase of a Benefits Take-up Campaign was launched today 7 March. It will run until Sunday 12 March.

The campaign will raise awareness of social security and encourage people across Scotland to seek advice on what they might be entitled to in terms of the full range of current UK benefits. The campaign will run with radio clips and press advertorials across local platforms. Please direct people to Citizens Advice Scotland for further information and advice.

Please raise awareness of the campaign across social media channels and relevant platforms for your audiences. The attached briefing note provides further information about how you can support the campaign, with key messages and links etc. If you have any questions, please contact Simon Ebbett at the Scottish Government (simon.ebbett@gov.scot / 0131 244 2833).

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions about either initiative. In the first place queries should be directed tosocialsecurity@gov.scot

If you are planning any awareness sessions across your networks grateful if you could let us know.

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