As part of AdviceUK’s Advice Saves campaign highlighting the severe challenges facing the advice sector and the critical role they play in providing life-saving support, DLS CEO Andrew MacKay contributed an article to the Legal Action Group magazine to raise awareness of the unique difficulties Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DDPOs) are experiencing in the current climate.
A recent survey of 265 advice organisations revealed alarming concerns about the sector’s future. 35% of respondents said they were not confident they had the funds to continue operating beyond the next year, with more than 40% of DDPOs expressing doubt about their long-term survival.
At the same time, demand for advice services is rising, placing staff under immense pressure as they struggle to meet growing needs with limited resources. Short-term project funding is exacerbating these challenges, making it difficult to ensure the long-term sustainability of essential advice services.
Read the full article in the Legal Action Group magazine (p.18-19), where Andrew MacKay discusses the critical work DLS does to support Deaf and Disabled people in accessing justice—and the urgent challenges we face in continuing this vital work.