Conference highlights impact of welfare cuts and changes on region’s communities

Voluntary sector organisations will receive 100 practical tips to help them deal with the impact of welfare reform and public sector cuts at Involve Yorkshire and Humber’s annual conference in York on June 28.

The “Welfare to Where?” conference at the Priory Street Centre, York, looks at how Government reforms and changes will affect the region’s most vulnerable communities and individuals.

Keynote speakers are Teresa Perchard, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Citizens Advice, who will give an expert overview of the recent policy changes, and Bishop John Packer, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, who is a leading critic of welfare reform.

At Ten Top Tips sessions 10 experienced practitioners will offer practical advice about what works in areas such as campaigning, building alliances, running a food bank, using the media and linking with MPs.

People leading the quick fire sessions include Sarah Sidwell from Hull Foodbank, Chris Dayson from the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University, Casey Morrison from National Trust (Yorkshire & North East Region) and Daniel Wood, Houses of Parliament Outreach Service.

“There is a great deal of uncertainty about how welfare reforms and public sector cuts will affect communities and organisations helping vulnerable people,” says Judy Robinson, chief executive of Involve Yorkshire and Humber. “Our conference aims to give people the latest insights and some really practical tips on how they can deal with the impact and implications for their own organisations.”

For more information and to book a place go to http://www.involveyorkshirehumber.org.uk/events/diary/welfare-to-where-/