Dr Jay Watts

@shrinkatlarge.bsky.social

10617 Followers 1311 Following

Consultant psychotherapist/ disability activist/ bluestocking. Former Lived Experience Worker, future failed poet. Will question ideology for cake ❤️🥄💜🎭🦓🥄🏳️‍🌈 #MadSky #TraumaNotPD #Disability #Neurodivergent #Mad https://t.co/83d2Ztwpp2

A person outdoors on a winter morning, bundled tightly into a bright orange hooded coat pulled up over their mouth and nose, eyes squinting against the cold. Bare trees blur in the background, and the overall impression is of bracing wind and near-Arctic chill
Alt text: A cartoon-style illustration shows a man in a turquoise polo shirt on a city street, wide-eyed and pointing frantically at the sky. Floating all around him are dozens of Mercedes and BMW logos, even though no actual cars are visible. A large speech bubble above his head reads, “Motability cars! Motability cars everywhere!!” The image satirises the false belief that disabled people frequently receive luxury cars through the Motability scheme.
Alt text: A protest-style graphic with a bold red background and large white block letters reading “STOP OXEVISION.” Below, black text on a white background reads: “The continued use of Oxevsion is not safe or ethical. Rights abuses are happening right now. The Lampard Inquiry is not due to publish its final report and recommendations until 2027. This is too late. We call on all mental health trusts using Oxevsion to immediately suspend its use on the basis of safety and legality concerns.” — National Survivor User Network (NSUN), October 2025, following evidence from the Stop Oxevsion Campaign at the Lampard Inquiry.
black-and-white cartoon shows a therapy session. A patient lies on a couch while the therapist sits in a chair taking notes. The caption reads: “It’s not strange at all—lately, a lot of people are reporting that their faith in humanity is riding entirely on whether or not Pedro Pascal is as nice as he seems.
Handwritten chalk message on a grey pavement slab reads: “It took a lot of pain to be this soft.” followed by the Instagram handle @losinglxve. At the bottom of the image, a pair of white trainers are visible.
The image is a black-and-white cartoon showing a bull sitting on a couch in a therapist’s office, speaking to a woman therapist who is taking notes. The bull appears frustrated, gesturing with one hand. The therapist is seated across from him with a notepad in her lap. A lamp sits between them. The caption underneath reads: “I mean, I know it’s coming and I think to myself ‘hold it together, man…’ But then he waves that red cape and I just lose it!”
📩 Lords Email Template: Stop the 1-in-9 Scandal Subject: 1.6 Million Disabled People at Risk – Scrutiny of Universal Credit Bill Dear [Peer's Name], I'm a disabled person writing with urgency ahead of the Universal Credit Bill's Second Reading on 22 July 2025. The proposed changes will gut support for 1.6 million disabled people, slashing the health element from £97 to £50 a week for new claimants—those applying for Universal Credit after April 2026—a £2,444 yearly loss plunging hundreds of thousands into poverty, and stripping vital legal safeguards (Labour's 2025 Impact Assessment, DWP). These cuts will mean choosing between food or medication, as poverty spirals into hunger, mental despair, and even suicide (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2024). It really will destroy lives. Only 1 in 9 new claimants who would currently qualify for full Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) support—extra payments for those too ill or disabled to work or prepare for work—will got
A cartoon showing a dog lying on a therapist’s couch, looking up at the therapist, who is sitting nearby in an armchair with a notepad. The therapist, wearing glasses and a suit, says to the dog: “You only think you’re barking at nothing. We’re all barking at something.
A row of six colourful plastic spoons arranged vertically on a bright blue background. The spoons vary in size and colour, including purple, orange, dark blue, cream, pink, and light blue.
A letter on United Nations Human Rights letterhead, dated July 7, 2025. The UN Committee requests information from the UK government about the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill and the Pathways to Work Green Paper. It asks for details on impact assessments, effects on disabled people, tightening eligibility for benefits, the risk of poverty, consultation with disabled people, limited scrutiny of the Bill, and public statements portraying disabled people as frauds or burdens. The deadline for the UK to respond is August 11, 2025
Here’s alt text you can use for this image: Alt text: Yellow background with bold white and black text. Heading: “Last 24 Hours ✦ To Save UC Health!” Subheading: “We’ve been campaigning for so long. This is the final push.” Text: “If you have any spoons left, please act today:” Then two green checkmark icons with “Tweet your MP” and “Email your MP.” Warning triangle icon followed by: “Don’t gut Universal Credit Health.” Smaller text: “If this passes, hundreds of thousands will lose vital support. One action today can protect hundreds of thousands.” At the bottom, blue link icon and the text: “Template tweets & emails: https://t.co/rMFP6UjBV3.”
A black-and-white cartoon shows a man lying on a couch in a therapist’s office, hands folded anxiously over his chest. Across from him, sitting upright in a chair, is a large dog wearing a vest labeled “THERAPY DOG.” The dog is speaking to the man and says, “We’ll start you off slow, beginning behind the ears, then increase treatment to include head pats, back scratches, then finally, rubbing my belly.” A framed certificate on the wall features a paw print, emphasizing the humorous reversal of roles where the dog is the therapist
Subject: End Discriminatory Universal Credit Cuts to Disabled People Dear [MP’s Name], The Severe Conditions Criteria (SCC) in the Universal Credit and PIP Bill is a crisis, slashing vital support for hundreds of thousands of disabled people. I urge your urgent action before the Third Reading on 9 July 2025. From April 2026, the SCC will cut the health element for new claimants from £97 per week to just £50—a loss of £2,444 a year. Only those with a terminal illness (under 12 months to live) or severe, lifelong conditions will keep the higher rate, protected from inflation. Existing claimants have transitional protection, but new claimants face a cruel divide. The SCC’s discriminatory rules will exclude eight in nine current support group claimants, despite disabling barriers. To qualify for the full £97-a-week health element, claimants must: Meet the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity criteria, proving significant disability. Have a constant, unchanging impair
A large mural painted on a brick wall depicts the four members of the band Black Sabbath in a purple and blue palette. Each band member is portrayed from the shoulders up with realistic detail, surrounded by stars and cosmic imagery. At the bottom, the words “Black Sabbath” are written in large, gothic-style letters in blue with crosses forming part of the letters. Between the text is a large skull rendered in shades of red and purple. There are various smaller symbols and geometric shapes interspersed throughout the mural. A red car is parked in front on the left side.
Image description (alt text): A screenshot of a legislative document titled “Committee Stage” dated Monday 7 July 2025. The page shows proposed amendments to the Universal Credit and PIP Green Paper, all tabled by Helen Whately. Amendments shown: 1. Amendment 1 (Clause 5, page 4, line 23): • Inserts new subsections into Regulation 4 of the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013. • Subsection (A1) requires that any assessment under paragraph (1) must be carried out by an employee of the Secretary of State. • Subsection (A2) brings this into force one year after the Act is passed. 2. Amendment 2 (Clause 5, page 4, line 23): • Inserts new text specifying that: “C is, however, ineligible for an assessment if C’s mental condition which has caused them to apply for an assessment is **mild depression, anxiety or ADHD.” • This would take effect six months after the Act is passed.
A screenshot of an article by Emma Duncan in The Times, published on July 3, 2025, at 7:27pm. The headline reads: “Britain can’t afford this sense of entitlement.” The subheading states: “Boom in disability benefits reflects a society in denial about its precarious financial position.” Underneath is a photo of Emma Duncan, a woman with shoulder-length hair wearing a light-coloured top. The first paragraph begins: “With Personal Independence Payments at the heart of the debacle that has destroyed the government’s authority, I became curious about how to claim them. I found the forms on the government website and a woman on YouTube who says she has been chronically ill for years, has filled them in many times,” followed by more text cut off by the screenshot
Sure—here’s clear alt text for the image you shared: ⸻ Alt text: A statement from Zarah Sultana MP with the headline: “Today, after 14 years, I’m resigning from the Labour Party.” She says she and Jeremy Corbyn will co-lead a new party with other Independent MPs, campaigners, and activists. She describes Westminster as broken, with inequality and poverty worsening, and criticises the two-party system for offering only managed decline. She explains she was suspended from Labour for voting to abolish the two-child benefit cap and lift 400,000 children out of poverty, and for voting against scrapping winter fuel payments for pensioners, and that she would do it again. She says the government wants to make disabled people suffer but cannot decide how much. She criticises Labour for failing to improve people’s lives and accuses them of smearing those who oppose genocide in Gaza. She calls the government an active participant in genocide, saying the British people oppose it. She writes, “We are not going to take this anymore,” and argues Britain is “an island that’s suffering,” needing homes and public spending, not elite enrichment and endless wars. She ends by saying: “In 2029, the choice will be stark: socialism or barbarism.” She urges people to join, writing: “Join us. The time is now.” Signed: Zarah Sultana MP MP for Coventry South ⸻ If you’d like, I can also help reformat this as plain text for accessibility.
A screenshot of an article from The Independent website. The headline reads: “Only Angela Rayner has emerged from the welfare debacle with her reputation intact” Subheading: It took the intervention of the deputy prime minister to persuade the prime minister that the game was up – now some Labour MPs are wondering if she’ll replace him, writes John Rentoul. Published date and time: Wednesday 02 July 2025 15:05 BST Below the text, there are icons to share the article on social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, Email). There is a video ad playing at the bottom, showing three people—two men and a woman—looking at something, with the caption “Claim what’s rightfully yours.” The phone status bar at the top shows
Black and white photograph of a sign mounted outdoors among plants and a wooden post. The sign displays the quote by George Santayana in white capital letters: “THOSE WHO DO NOT REMEMBER THE PAST ARE CONDEMNED TO REPEAT I
A table titled “Volume of PIP claimants in receipt of Daily Living component” lists 19 health condition categories, ranked by the proportion of claimants awarded less than 4 points in all daily living activities. Three columns are shown: 1. Volume of PIP Claimants in receipt of Daily Living component 2. Volume awarded less than 4 points 3. Proportion in each condition group Top entries include: • Back pain: 194,000 claimants, 154,000 with under 4 points (79%) • Arthritis: 279,000 total, 214,000 under 4 points (77%) • Anxiety and depression: 587,000 total, 282,000 under 4 points (48%) • Learning disabilities: 188,000 total, only 7,000 under 4 points (4%) The table highlights a trend where high proportions of people with musculoskeletal and pain conditions are receiving less than 4 points, while much lower proportions are seen in claimants with learning disabilities, autism, psychotic disorders, and ADHD.
Alt text: A black-and-white cartoon shows a therapist sitting in an armchair, taking notes with a serious expression. In front of him is a classic psychoanalytic couch, but instead of a patient lying on top, a pair of legs is sticking out from underneath it, as if someone has fallen and is trapped beneath. A framed diploma on the wall reads “PSYCH.” The therapist, unfazed, says, “That’s interesting – what exactly do you mean by ‘thump’?” The cartoon humorously critiques the therapist’s detached overanalysis in the face of a clear physical mishap.
As a disabled person and a consultant clinical psychologist, I am writing—highly unusually for me—on LinkedIn to ask your help in stopping disability benefits cuts. What the government proposes to do with PIP, Universal Credit LCWRA and ESA is not a “reform.” It is an abandonment. It will cost lives, force people deeper into poverty, and destabilise those who are just about holding on. PIP isn’t a luxury. It helps people eat, stay warm, stay clean, work, get to hospital appointments, and hold any kind of dignity. It also unlocks vital support for unpaid carers—many of whom are disabled themselves. Universal Credit's LCWRA 'support group' helps ensure that those who would be at 'substantial risk' of a deterioration in their health, or risk to life, aren't pressured by 'claimant commitments' to work. But now, over a million people could lose that help—and the government keeps pointing to alternative options which, as a consultant, I can tell you just aren’t there. We are already seein
Alt text: A hand holding a dark green takeaway coffee cup with a green straw. On the straw is a bear-shaped macaron or biscuit, with chocolate detailing for the ears, eyes, and nose. The cup has branding on it that reads “KARUTO COFFEE” and features a small bear illustration. The background is a wood-paneled wall with soft lighting. The person has a pink-tipped manicure.
Alt text: A young woman with short, tousled dark hair sits slightly turned, holding a cigarette in her raised hand. Her mouth is slightly open, and her expression is alert, mid-sentence or mid-thought. The background is softly lit with earthy tones. This is a well-known image of playwright Sarah Kane.
A black-and-white cartoon shows a man and a woman walking down a city street, dressed in formal attire. The woman is speaking to the man, and the caption reads: “My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.” The cartoon is signed “Sipress.”
A group of disabled activists wearing face masks protest outside the UK Parliament, holding placards that read “CUTS WILL KILL.” The demonstration is against Labour’s proposed benefit cuts. Behind them, a large Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) banner is visible, alongside Big Ben. The headline of the accompanying Times article reads: “Benefit cuts ‘as damaging for disabled as Tory austerity drive’”, reporting that Labour’s proposed £4.8bn welfare cuts could harm vulnerable people more than the cost of living crisis, according to the Health Foundation.
A group of disabled protesters gathered outside Downing Street holding signs and banners opposing cuts to welfare benefits. The central banner reads “WELFARE NOT WARFARE” in bold black and red letters. Some protesters are in wheelchairs, others are standing, and signs read “No cuts.” The protest takes place on a stone pavement outside government buildings
Screenshot of a Guardian article headlined: “Disabled celebrities urge Keir Starmer to scrap ‘inhumane’ benefit cuts.” Subheading reads: “Exclusive: More than 100 people including Liz Carr and Rosie Jones sign letter criticising PIP and universal credit changes.” The image includes headshots of four disabled public figures: Liz Carr, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Rosie Jones, and another woman with long dark curly hair, against various backgrounds.
“Claimants Scoring Below 4 Points By Activity”. It lists 10 daily living activities and the percentage of PIP claimants with a Mh condition who scored below 4 points for each activity, broken down by standard rate, enhanced rate, and total. 1. Preparing food – 95% (standard), 42% (enhanced), 68.5% total 2. Taking nutrition – 99% (standard), 78% (enhanced), 88.5% total 3. Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition – 100% (standard), 99% (enhanced), 99.5% total 4. Washing and bathing – 100% (standard), 89% (enhanced), 94.5% total 5. Managing toilet needs or incontinence – 100% (standard), 94% (enhanced), 97.0% total 6. Dressing and undressing – 100% (standard), 96% (enhanced), 98.0% total 7. Communicating verbally – 100% (standard), 99% (enhanced), 99.5% total 8. Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words – 100% (standard), 90% (enhanced), 95.0% total
Official DWP Freedom of Information response letter dated May 15, 2025, to Jay Watts regarding PIP claimants with mental health conditions. The document reveals that as of January 2025, there were 357,570 people receiving standard rate PIP daily living component and 878,800 receiving enhanced rate, all with primary mental health conditions.
A cartoon shows a therapy session where a man lies on a couch while a squirrel, sitting upright in a chair with a notepad like a therapist, listens attentively. A bonsai tree sits on a small table beside the squirrel. On the wall hang a framed certificate and a picture of a tree. The caption reads: “We don’t use the word ‘nuts’ in the room.”
A family of three sits together on a floral-patterned sofa, holding hands and smiling gently at one another. The mother, Oksana Shahar, is in the centre with long dark curly hair, flanked by her husband, Guy Shahar, on the left, and their teenage son on the right, who wears a white polo shirt with a school logo. The headline below reads: “Carer’s allowance crisis – Mother of autistic boy left with £10,000 debt after breaching DWP rules by £1.92 a week.” Subheading: “Over five-year period Oksana Shahar – who cares for her son – was paid a small amount more than carer’s allowance earnings limits allow.” The article is written by Josh Halliday and dated Saturday 3 May 2025.
Screenshot of a news article from The Times titled “Keir Starmer: We hear voters’ anger and Labour will deliver.” It features a headshot of Keir Starmer in a suit above the headline. The subheading reads: “My focus is on restoring security to people’s lives — a secure economy, a secure health service and secure borders.” The article is dated Friday May 02, 2025, at 9:35pm. The first paragraph begins with a large capital “M” and discusses how Starmer rejects typical mid-term election excuses, stating, “My response is simple: I get it.” The second paragraph mentions that voters in areas like the West of England, Tyneside, and Doncaster have supported Labour’s promise of change. At the bottom of the screen are navigation icons for Home, Print edition, Puzzles, Saved, and Find. The time in the top-left corner reads 06:13.
A 14 March 1998 cover of NME (New Musical Express) features a serious-looking Tony Blair against a dark background. The large headline reads, “EVER HAD THE FEELING YOU’VE BEEN CHEATED?”, with subheadings listing controversial policies: “Welfare to work… Student tuition fees… No debate on drugs… Curfews…” Below that, bold orange text says, “ROCK’N’ROLL TAKES ON THE GOVERNMENT”, followed by: “With a little help from: The Verve, Primal Scream, The Charlatans, Ian Brown, Embrace, Pulp, Cornershop, Ash, Catatonia, Travis, Space.” The issue critiques Blair’s government from the perspective of disillusioned musicians and youth.
A black-and-white cartoon shows a turtle lying on a therapist’s couch, speaking to a human therapist who is taking notes. The turtle says, “Aside from the wholesale abandonment, and the immediate mad dash from predators, I’d say my childhood was pretty good.” The scene parodies a typical therapy session, with the humour coming from the turtle’s understated summary of a traumatic early life experience.
A digital graphic with a light blue background and bold white text. The title reads: “It’s not about illness. It’s about prejudice.” Below, the text explains that bowel cancer rates are soaring in young people due to changes in the environment, but no one accuses them of being suggestible, faking, or attention-seeking. In contrast, when it’s autism, ADHD, or mental health struggles, old slurs return. The graphic concludes that it was never about “too much illness,” but about who society chooses to care for — and who it still chooses to blame. The quote is signed “Dr Jay Watts” with the hashtag “#WelfareNotWarfare.
News article from The Times with the headline “Disability benefits for anxiety and depression double since pandemic.” A photo above the article shows a woman sitting on a bed by a window, head resting on her knees, in a dimly lit room. The article reports that mental health conditions have overtaken arthritis as the biggest driver of PIP costs
Alt text for the image: A quote from Amnesty International (2025) is superimposed in large white serif font over a photo of the Palace of Westminster, with a Union Jack flag flying above one of its towers. The quote reads: “If implemented, the extensive reforms proposed in the Pathway to Work Green Paper would further undermine the compliance of the UK social security system with the principle of adequacy, and would be a deliberately discriminatory, disproportionate and retrogressive violation of human rights.” — Amnesty International, 2025 The image uses the iconic UK Parliament building to evoke national identity and legal authority, reinforcing the gravity of the human rights concerns.
A green infographic titled “Consider Going to See Your MP” with guidance for attending an MP’s surgery to oppose disability benefits cuts. It includes a steaming mug icon and reads: “This is one of the most powerful ways to persuade them — if and only if you have the spoons.” Two sections follow: 1. Visit an MP’s Surgery: • See your MP in person at a local advice surgery (calendar icon) • Contact your MP’s office to book an appointment (phone icon) 2. Be Prepared: • Bring a brief, clear statement about why you oppose the cuts to disability benefits (document icon) • Consider bringing someone for support (two-person icon)
don’t know who the DWP thinks it’s speaking to about “trust.” As a trauma specialist and disabled activist, let me be clear: there can be no presumption of imminently achievable trust—not after 14 years of harm, and not after the reckless mess of Labour’s disability noises and policies so far. Build from that truth.
A digital flyer with a bold orange and cream colour scheme titled “SIGN THE LETTER: STOP DISABILITY BENEFITS CUTS.” It highlights that the letter is led by healthcare professionals and backed by over 1,250 signatories. The flyer explains that government proposals could remove Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from 1.3 million people—nearly 40% of current claimants. Freedom of Information (FOI) data shows that 1,283,000 standard-rate and 209,000 enhanced-rate claimants could lose support under a new 4-point rule. It warns that this puts 1.49 million people at risk of losing £4,500 a year. It names those most affected: people with mental distress, neurodivergence, chronic illness, pain, and fatigue conditions. The flyer urges action with the phrase “Our formula for real impact: Personal testimony × Facts × Clinical backing = Change.” At the bottom, it includes the sign-up link (tinyurl.com/2tvfvzft) and a QR code for signing.
A bold red and black graphic featuring a torn Union Jack, an NHS logo, and symbols for a food bank and disability access. Large text reads: “DISABILITY BENEFITS CUTS WOULD BE DEVASTATING.” Below, it says “350+ Health Professionals Demand Action” and quotes Dr Jay Watts: “These cuts will trigger a wave of preventable deaths.” A QR code appears with a call to action: “SIGN THE OPEN LETTER – Healthcare professionals: Add your name TODAY. Share this post — #WelfareNotWarfare.” QR code links to https://sites.google.com/view/openletterdisabilitybenefits/home
A cartoon shows a chocolate Easter bunny sitting on a couch in a therapy session, speaking to a human therapist who is taking notes. The bunny says, “I didn’t say I was unfulfilled. I said I was hollow.” The scene humorously plays on the literal hollowness of chocolate bunnies and the emotional language often used in therapy
A partial screenshot of a table from benefitsandwork.co.uk showing the number of claimants for different health conditions. The table includes: 1. Back pain – 194,000 claimants, 154,000 (next column not labelled) 2. Arthritis – 279,000 claimants, 214,000 3. Other Regional Musculoskeletal Diseases – 136,000 claimants, 97,000 4. Chronic pain syndromes – 173,000 claimants, 118,000 5. Cardiovascular diseases – 61,000 claimants, 38,000 6. Respiratory diseases – 83,000 claimants, 45,000 7. Anxiety and depression – 587,000 claimants, 282,000 8. Multiple sclerosis and neuropathic diseases – 80,000 claimants, 38,000 The webpage header shows the time as 21:12 and the domain as benefitsandwork.co.uk. A privacy and terms notice is partly visible at the bottom.
As or ivay zuz4, or those in receipt or the LEVKA element in Universar Crealt, 32.T% receive a PIP daily living award and scored a minimum of 4 points in at least one daily living activity. 4. We can confirm that the Department holds this information. However, the information is exempt under Section 21(1) of the Freedom of Information Act because the information is reasonably accessible to you, as it is already in the public domain. However, to be helpful you can find the information you seek at https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/jsf/dataCatalogueExplorer.xhtml. Go to the "Personal Independence Payment" folder, and then double click "PIP Cases with Entitlement from 2019" ". You can then add "Daily Living Award Status" 5. As of January 2025, 54% of people in receipt of the PIP daily living allowance scored a minimum of 4 points in at least one daily living activity. This only includes data on working age, normal rules claimants, and excludes special rules for end of life claimants.
A cartoon shows a therapy session. A man dressed in a full jester outfit is lying on a therapist’s couch, looking distressed. The therapist, sitting nearby with a notepad, calmly says, “You have to remember you’re not responsible for other people’s happiness.” The office has framed certificates on the wall and a cat sitting on the floor beside the couch. The cityscape is visible through the windo
1 "LCWRA: What Everyone Should Know" • LCWRA provides essential support when you're too unwell to work • It's not a luxury-it's survival for those facing serious illness or disability • Every f1 cut from LCWRA = real people facing impossible choices 2 "Understanding Universal Credit's Three Paths" Work group: Capable of working now Work prep group: Building toward employment X LCWRA: Unable to work due to health or disability • LCWRA isn't about avoiding work-it's about recognizing human dignity when work isn't possible and it is only given when health professionals think health would worsen seriously otherwise. ] "LCWRA: Beyond the Acronym" • It stands for Limited Capability for Work & Work-Related Activity It stands between thousands of people and destitution • It recognizes that sometimes health must come before work Anyone could need this support tomorrow-that's why we defend it today.
Although mental health stigma is broadly declining, there are pockets in which it still runs rampant. This is perhaps no better illustrated by the way diagnoses are weaponised against victims of abuse. • People with severe mental health problems are particularly vulnerable to abuse in the first place That can happen at scale. It recently emerged that hundreds of female members of the armed forces who accused their colleagues of rape were misdiagnosed with personality disorders - a difficult-to-treat pattern of maladaptive behaviour - that meant they would be no longer able to serve. When seeking help for sexual assault from heath professionals within the military, they had been in effect "written off": slapped with a stigmatised label and then medically discharged.
A black-and-white cartoon shows a man lying on a therapist’s couch, speaking with a surprised expression. Sitting opposite him in an armchair is a fluffy therapy dog wearing a tag that says “THERAPY DOG.” The dog holds a clipboard and appears to be listening attentively. The caption underneath reads: “Have you tried barking?”
Alt text: A social media post featuring a swirling, surrealist painting by Naudline Cluvie Pierre with flowing forms in reds, greens, and yellows, accompanied by black text that reads: “The point is not to be regulated all the time. You are an animal.” Below, the caption by @gendersauce says: “I HATE the social media trend of making people feel like any state other than regulation is a bad thing. True regulation is the ability to transition between states, not get stuck in a perpetual false state of so-called calm behavior. AND moments of true dysregulation can wake us up to the world and our place in it. All of your humanness is welcome.” The post has over 31,000 likes. Words by Aleah Black.
Alt text: A pastel pink digital graphic with turquoise hand-drawn text that reads: “It is a super stressful time to be being migrated to Universal Credit – though Labour’s proposals will make no difference to this. Sending love and solidarity to everyone going through this x.” A small illustrated plant with green leaves sits at the bottom right, and a soft pink heart is tucked near the end of the message, adding warmth and care. The overall design is gentle and supportive, with a speckled texture giving it a handmade feel.
A vibrant roadside flower bed filled with colourful spring blooms, including red, yellow, purple, and white flowers. Clusters of blue grape hyacinths are scattered among the greenery. A large stone and several weathered logs sit at one end, creating a natural border beside the pavement and ro
Alt text: A bold digital graphic split into two halves. On the left, in red and black text, it reads: “CLAIM: 383% rise in people too sick to work” — attributed to the DWP press release from 13 March 2025. On the right, in white and black, it states: “REALITY: The actual rise is 50% — mostly due to migration from legacy benefits.” Above the hashtag section, a prominent line reads: “There are lies, damn lies and (Labour’s) statistics.” At the bottom, it cites the UK Statistics Authority letter to DWP, March 2025. Hashtags included are #DisabilityBenefitsCuts and #WelfareNotWorkfare. The colour scheme is red, black, and white for sharp visual contrast.
Alt text: Screenshot from the UK Parliament website showing details of a Work and Pensions Committee inquiry titled “Get Britain Working: Pathways to Work.” The inquiry is described as a short investigation into the impact of government proposals to reform the disability and health-related benefits system, as outlined in the Pathways to Work Green Paper. The Committee is not calling for evidence but lists three terms of reference: 1. To explore the issues with the social security system the Green Paper aims to address; 2. To explore evidence of the impact of welfare changes on poverty and employment; 3. To explore the experience of sick and disabled people with the current welfare system and their views on the proposed changes.
Alt text: Screenshot of a webpage from kingsfund.org.uk, displaying a section of text criticizing proposed changes to disability benefits. The left side of the screen contains a paragraph stating that the proposals have been widely condemned and described as a “somewhat blunt instrument,” leaving many in financial uncertainty. It notes that neither the initial announcement nor the Spring Statement provides enough detail about support for people’s health needs. Highlighted on the right is a quote repeating this sentiment: “The proposed changes make for a somewhat blunt instrument, leaving many in financial uncertainty, and neither the initial announcement or the Spring Statement provide much detail about the support people will receive that accounts for the breadth of people’s health needs.”
Alt text: Illustration with the text “Celebrate Trans Lives” above five diverse people standing side by side, smiling and holding small trans and non-binary flags. The group includes a person in a wheelchair, a Black woman, and people of different ages, races, and gender expressions, representing trans pride and solidarity on a teal background.