Deep dive on Oppression

Deep dive Happy Summer 

I went to my local swimming pool this week for a swim, having not been there for a variety of reasons for probably over a year. My local council used to provide three disabled swimming sessions a week free of charge until, the business was taken over by the new company. The new company, and its perfect capitalism has raised the price of a swim from zero to £5.65 or you can have a monthly membership for £18. If ever I’ve seen institutionalised disability oppression square in my face that was today. No negotiation, no information just change it and expect disabled people to pay for the increased consequences. Needless to say I’ve written to my local councillor and to my MP in West Surrey. I informed the staff at the centre,that my benefit had not increased at such a rate, to be able to pay such high increases. I informed them that I would probably only swim 2 lengths of the swimming pool, and be in and out very quickly. They were kind and allowed me in for free today, but I will not be going back to the swimming pool anymore. For a government that wants people to “ return”  to work. Keep fit and away from the health service that is completely swamped. A message, this is not how you keep people fit or in work. 

Lesley Illingworth