News / Bristol
‘Further cuts will endanger lives and quality of lives’
“The devastating impact these cuts have had on disabled people is unreal, we have to fight just to keep the level of care we need,” says Karen Passmore of Bristol’s Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC).
The wheelchair user represents one of 30 organisations joining a mass rally on Saturday, September 9 to fight for an end to the Government-imposed austerity that is crippling the city and call for vital investment in public services.
Campaigner and journalist Owen Jones will be joining the rally in Bristol
Campaigner and Guardian journalist Owen Jones will be among the key speakers at the event, which kicks off on College Green at 12pm. He will share a podium with mayor Marvin Rees, campaigner and deputy leader of Bristol Green Party Cleo Lake, and Forward Maisokwadzo, of Bristol City of Sanctuary, among others.
is needed now More than ever
“Severely disabled people have faced benefit cuts of up to nine times more than any other group,” continues Passmore, who suffers from several chronic conditions, but says she constantly has to fight for the level of care she needs.
“Cuts have devastated personal care budgets, leaving some with only 15 minutes of care per day, loss of funding to accessible transport has left many disabled people trapped in their own homes alone and closures of day care centres are causing anxiety and isolation for many. DPAC demands rights for disabled people, not charity.”
With the backing of the mayor, national figures and key groups from across the city, Bristol People’s Assembly hope the mass rally will be the biggest to date to send a strong message to the Government before Rees goes to lobby Westminster on September 12.
“We want people from every corner of Bristol – every community group, social club, creative organisation – every faith, every age, every cultural background,” say organisers.
“Because these cuts are going to affect all of us – they’ll change the fabric of the city itself – they may even really get to the things and people we love most, unless we all come together and step up together.”
Peggy Woodward of Protect our NHS said “these further cuts will endangers lives and the quality of lives,” as she called on people to join the rally.
People from all corners of Bristol have pledged support for the mass rally
Backing the anti-austerity movement, ACORN Bristol said: “enough is enough, it’s time to fight for an alternative and for the services we deserve to be properly funded.”
The message to take a stand against cuts comes as a consultation on proposals that will hit services across Bristol comes to a close and campaigners are urging people not to miss out on the chance to have their say before the deadline of Tuesday, September 5.
Volunteers out spreading the word about the mass rally
Alongside groups representing housing, the NHS, political parties, unions, education and campaigners, there will be a St Paul’s bloc organised by the Malcolm X Community Centre team, musicians, dancers and the Ambling Brass Band all turning out to march.
A placard-making workshop is planned for Tuesday, September 5 from 5.30pm-7.30pm at People’s Republic of Stokes Croft yard, Jamaica Street. Some materials will be available, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own and people of all ages are welcome.
Throughout this week, Bristol24/7 will be bringing you the stories of those worse hit by the cuts, along with updates and opinion pieces from people who are getting involved.
For a final chance to have your say on proposed cuts in Bristol, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/en_US/council-spending-performance/your-neighbourhood-consultation-2017 by Tuesday (September 5).
Main photo: People from Bristol’s DPAC are turning out to fight for change.
Read more: ‘Anti-austerity movement is building across Bristol’
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