Today, 10th September 2008, I received a response to my letter asking the DLAAB to give details on the training provided by Christine Whitehead to DWP Decision Makers. Apparently this was outside of the scope of the Freedom of Information Act. Though I was provided with a copy of her presentation is states that ownership is with her. I will attempt to contact her to obtain her permission to reproduce it here.
PDF version
Hello Tom,
I am not in a position to deal with cases on a one to one basis we just don't have the resources to do so.
I took the liberty of calling an organisation in Belfast called the "HIV Support Centre".
They can be contacted on 028 9024 9268.
In common with many HIV organisations. The Citizens Advice Bureau operate a "clinic" for HIV+ people for them to assist with benefit claims. They should be able to help you with your forms. The HIV Support Centre will also be able to assist you with issues relating to your Social Worker and local social services.
Speaking to them they were very welcoming and you would be dealing with an organisation that will understand your issues with HIV.
I understand the issues about disclosing your HIV issues to another person. However you are going to have to be quite "frank" about how your HIV affects you both during the day and at night.
If you find the forms are very complex you could ring your local office and ask if they would accept a lengthly letter from you explaining and detailing your health conditions. Either way get some advice and if you need to ring your local DWP office, the person who is dealing with your claim should be written on the accompanying letter. And ask for an extension to the time limit given to return the forms.
Good luck and let me know how you get on.
John.
Click here for the response I did get from the DWP on my DLAAB Freedom of information Request.