Understanding the financial needs of disabled people
We would like to invite you to take part in a research study. Before you decide, we would like you to understand why the study is being done and what taking part means.
What is this study about?
We would like to understand whether and how financial support helps meet the needs of disabled people with mental and physical health conditions across the UK. We would like to speak to disabled people about:
- how their health affects them
- whether and how they meet their needs such as heating their homes, buying food, and living well
- their experiences of applying for or claiming disability benefits
- and their views on how disabled people could be better supported to meet their needs
Why is this research important?
Two thirds of people using foodbanks are disabled or have a physical or mental health condition. This research will be used by the Trussell Trust in their campaign to end financial insecurity among disabled people.
Who is doing this study?
The Trussell Trust has funded the Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen) to speak to disabled people and write a report. ScotCen is part of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen). You can find out more about us here: www.scotcen.org.uk.
Why have I been invited to take part?
As a disabled person or someone with a health condition, we are very interested in your views and experiences.
If I take part, what will I be asked to do?
If you decide to take part, a member of our research team will get in touch to find a date and time that suits you to take part in an interview. Interviews will be with one of our researchers and will last around 45 to 60 minutes.
You can choose for your interview to be done:
- by phone
- video call (using Microsoft Teams or Zoom)
- or in person
We will ask you if we can audio record the interview. The recording will be typed up, stored safely, and then deleted at the end of the study.
To say thank you, we will send you a £40 Love2Shop high street voucher after your interview.
What will I be asked about?
During the interview, we will ask you about:
- your experiences of living with a disability or a health condition
- your experiences of applying for or receiving disability benefits
- and what could be done to better support disabled people
There are no right or wrong answers. We are just interested in hearing what you think.
Please note, we will not be able to interview everyone who expresses an interest in taking part.
Do I have to take part?
No. Taking part is completely voluntary.
Whether you take part or not will not affect your benefits or any tax credits now or in the future. Social Security Scotland or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are not linked to this study.
You can choose which questions you answer. You do not have to answer any questions you do not want to. You can leave the study at any time without giving a reason.
Are there any risks to taking part?
Taking part in an interview is a chance to share your views and experiences. But talking about your experiences could be upsetting. We will:
- check how you are feeling before and after your interview
- make sure that you feel comfortable and respected
If you feel upset during the interview, we will pause or stop and stay with you until you feel better or can contact further support.
You’ll also be given a leaflet with the contact details of organisations that can provide advice and support.
Will my information be kept private?
We will treat the things you tell us in confidence under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Any information you give us will be stored safely and securely.
No information about you will be shared with anyone outside of the ScotCen and NatCen research team. We will use quotes from some interviews in our study reports, social media and presentations. Quotes are things people have told us in a discussion. These will be written so that you cannot be identified in any way.
To learn more about how we use your personal information and your rights to look at your data, please look at our privacy notice.
Where can I find out more?
If you are interested in taking part, or if you have any questions, you can contact the study team by email at disabilityviews@scotcen.org.uk or you can call us on 0131 240 0210.