Take part

The project

This project explores how people’s experience of social security varies across the UK. It is a collaboration between six universities, Child Poverty Action Group, and the Resolution Foundation, an independent organisation focused on improving the living standards for those on low to middle incomes.

What’s Involved?

Workshops

We will hold 14 online workshops (a mix of morning, afternoon and evening) which will each involve 16 parent/carers from across all four nations of the UK. Each workshop will focus on a particular topic. These include:

• Helping parents on low incomes

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• Dealing with benefit cuts

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• Extra financial help and crisis support

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• Getting help to return to work

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• Getting Free School Meals

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• Work-related activity and sanctions for jobseekers

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• Managing your Universal Credit

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Most of the conversations during the workshops will take place in smaller groups of 4-6, where there will be plenty of time for everyone to share their experiences. We would also like to hear parent/carers’ suggestions for how social security could be improved. All workshop participants will be offered a £50 Love2Shop voucher as a thank you for their time. This will not affect any benefits received.

Big Questions

Another way to take part is by responding to video questions, which we call “Big Questions”. During the study, you may be invited via email to respond to a Big Question. Taking part in a Big Question involves sending us a one or two short paragraphs or a brief voice message, giving your thoughts, ideas or experience on the topic the questions asks about. You are welcome to participate in the Big Question whether or not you are taking part in a workshop. Your written responses will provide additional insights into the research questions on how people across the UK are experiencing social security. To thank you for answering a Big Question we will send a £5 Love2Shop voucher.

Who Can Take Part?

Parents/carers with a child under 18 Living in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland In receipt of at least one main UK benefit (e.g. Universal Credit, Tax Credits, PIP) or asylum support schemes

The team

This research is being conducted by the Safety Nets research project: We are a team of six universities, two policy partners and a panel of Experts by Experience, who bring vital lived experience of the social security system across all four countries of the UK. The research team is independent of any government department and taking part in the workshops will not affect your benefits.