If your organisation is serious about involving people with experience of mental ill health, it’s worth knowing that the majority of those with enduring problems are in receipt of state benefits. In fact, they make up 35% of all people on Incapacity Benefit.
The pervasive lack of accurate information about benefit entitlement and the negative encounters many people have had with the state system continue to create a significant barrier to volunteering for many people with mental health problems. In addition, many organisations are uncertain about the rules regarding volunteering and regard the possible implications of involving volunteers on benefits as overly complicated.
What to do
Acknowledging the issue at an early stage and providing explicit information (in print and verbal form) can go a long way to setting people’s minds at ease. Some organisations provide potential volunteers with a form letter which they can submit to the Department for Work and Pensions to avoid any misunderstandings.
Check the Volunteering England website or call the Information Line (0800 2798 798) for a factsheet on volunteering and benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions publishes ‘Financial help if you work or are looking for work’ which covers the right to volunteer.
