Guide Dogs: The hardest hit – defending disabled people’s futures

You may have heard that Guide Dogs, along with over 40 other organisations and groups of disabled people are supporting a March, a Lobby of Parliament and a Rally on the 11th May to voice anger and concern at the cuts threatening benefits, services, jobs and rights. The march is being organized by the UK Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC).

The March

Thousands of disabled people as well as family and friends will be marching to express solidarity and anger at the cuts threatening our benefits, services, jobs and rights. The march will take us past the Houses of Parliament and we will make sure that MPs and Peers hear our collective voice and understand our message.

The Lobby

After the march many of us will be lobbying our MPs as the Welfare Reform Bill reaches a critical stage in the House of Commons. We will be sharing our stories, making sure that Parliamentarians understand the combined impact of the cuts on our lives and futures. Crucially, we will be challenging MPs to vote against policies that will push us further into poverty and isolation.

The Rally

On the afternoon of the march we will meet in Methodist Central Hall to hear from disabled people about the deep unfairness of the cuts for their lives and futures. We will also listen to politicians from the main political parties to find out how they plan to uphold the rights, equality and participation of disabled people as promised in the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

Where and when?

We will gather for the march from 11.30 on the Embankment by Horseguards Avenue. It will start at 12.30 and take in Victoria Embankment, Bridge Street, Parliament Square, Millbank and finish in Dean Stanley Street at around 13.30. We expect the lobby to take place in Westminster Hall and to run between 14.30 and 17.30. Everyone hoping to see their MP during the afternoon is encouraged to write to them in advance to get an appointment. The rally will take place in Methodist Central Hall (close to the Houses of Parliament) with speeches between 15.00 and 15.30.

What do you need to do?

. Come along on 11 May and bring your family and friends! We hope for at least 10,000 people on the march.

. Register via the UKDPC website to let us know that you’re coming and what access needs you have.

. If you’re planning to lobby your MP, write to request a meeting on May 11th. You’re much more likely to get to see them if you do. If you are not sure who your MP is, please visit findyourmp.parliament.uk and enter your postcode.

. If you want to come to the rally, book a place. Space is limited – sign up on the UKDPC

website

Unfortunately Guide Dogs won’t be able to financially assist people to come on the May 11th. The RNIB are able to offer some limited assistance. At the moment they are taking people’s contact details to draw up a list of people who are interested. If you are interested in coming but require financial assistance to allow you to do so, please contact the RNIB Campaigns Hotline on 020 7391 2123 to find out more.

If you are keen to come on May 11th and plan to make your own way to London there will be support available on the day in the form of guides and stewards. You will also need to register to say that you are coming.