The Seven Families protection insurance awareness campaign has revealed its fifth family affected by time off work due to long-term ill health or disability.
The charity-led campaign is choosing seven families to receive an income for one year, with their stories monitored to help educate the public on the need for protection cover.
The latest case is that of Graeme Snell, who until last July worked full time as an advanced health and wellbeing practitioner. Then he suffered a double stroke and although he has not been able to work since, he was described by medical staff as a ‘walking miracle’.
Mr Snell explained that his level of fitness helped the recovery, adding that while there are some ongoing symptoms, he is keen to return to work as soon as possible.
“I will be taking voluntary redundancy in the spring and would like to return to work in some capacity before the end of the year, which is why the rehabilitation and support also provided by the project could be so important.”
Peter Le Beau, founder of independent consultancy Le Beau Visage and spokesperson for the Seven Families campaign, said that Mr Snell will receive £1,500 per month.
“Each family will have access to financial advice from a range of volunteering financial advisers to help with basic finances and budgeting and they will also have the opportunity to benefit from independent living, rehabilitation and counselling services.”
Jason Jaspal, business development manager at Disability Rights UK, commented that they campaign constantly for faster and more effective support when somebody’s life changes through an accident or health condition, hearing from people daily who have to wait months for assessments while receiving ineffective or no support to resume work.
“This project will help us learn how different it can be when people do have resources, information and access to support on their own terms. We plan to draw on this learning to campaign for changes in social security and independent living support, which is in line with our aim to strengthen the voice of disabled people.”
Liz Sayce, chief executive at the same charity, added: “We also want to test the difference it can make to get fast, effective support when you unexpectedly become disabled or develop a serious health condition, so you can get your life on track.”
A police officer injured in a motorcycle accident in 2013 was the last person to receive support from the campaign, with two more to go.
The charity reached its funding target last summer, aided by money from more than 17 protection providers.
peter.walker@ft.com
