The Child Poverty Action Group have been contacted by a BBC News journalist making 3 short pieces about poverty.  She is looking for case studies to present of a welfare rights adviser working with a client who has children.  This is not a usual news item but a first person film and the people the journalist speaks to will tell their story in their own words. The journalist would like to spend some time with them and find out how they make ends meet on a day to day basis.

The Government is considering changing the way Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is paid.  The SMI scheme helps unemployed people, including carers, by paying their mortgage interest. This benefit is currently paid indefinitely.

The minister for Welfare Reform is calling for evidence on whether new claimants on the scheme should, after a fixed period of time, only receive this help in exchange for a charge on their homes (which can be recouped when the house is sold).

There is a currently a consultation and you can find out more at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2011/support-for-mortgage-interest.shtml

Walking is a gentle and fun start to exercise, where you can enjoy the natural surroundings and meet new people.  York Health Walks offer local guided walks from 11 locations across the city by trained volunteers. The walks are suitable for all ages and abilities, everyone is welcome to come along. You don't have to book.

Download the York Health Walks in January, February and March 2012 leaflet

The Welfare Reform Bill is the biggest change to the welfare state for sixty years. It contains proposals and benefit cuts. The House of Lords has just begun its Report Stage on the Bill. This is when crucial votes will happen on the most controversial parts of the Bill. The votes will continue into January. To win these votes, it's essential that  enough crossbench members of the Lords attend, listen to the debates and vote. If you want to contact a crossbench Lord please email them. 

>> More information about the bill and how to email Lord