KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
With seven locations spread across the city, London Unemployed Strategies provides peer support for people on benefits. Our peer-to-peer support groups provide a safe environment to support people in claiming their rights and taking part in changing the system to one that allows everyone to have safety, dignity, and an opportunity to reach their potential.
About Us
Managed by the Coordinator Maria McCaul, London Unemployed Strategies (LUS) was established by the unemployed and their supporters, including the voluntary sector and Trade Unionists.
LUS aims to give a voice to unemployed people, in order to counteract the abuses and attacks made upon them by the government, the mass media and organisations such as The Taxpayers Alliance and others.
LUS seeks to provide peer-to-peer support to people on benefits, regardless of their background and bring about real change.
How We Work
The 7 London groups organise meetings and events in their areas, providing a support network for claimants. We coordinate with helpful organisations, law centres and groups, to better help those on benefits live a life with dignity and safety. We liaise with the DWP and Job centres, to receive help for individual cases where possible.
Our Mission
Where To Find Us
West London
Newham
Kilburn
Waltham Forest
Islington
Southwark
Haringey
Our Values
Support
Network
Solidarity
Information
Hub
Human
Approach
Activism for Change
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Why attend a KYR group?Please come along if you are on benefits, and any of the following apply: - You want to meet with others in similar situations for chats and friendship. - You are having a problem with a benefit including housing , hardship, assessments and tribunals. - You want to help others who are having benefit problems. We help each other. - You want to learn more about benefits. We hold training sessions. - You want to help change the benefit system.
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How long is each session? Do I have to attend a series of meetings?Contact LUS and we will link you with your nearest Group. Each Group holds different types of meetings and events.
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Who will I meet at a KYR group?- Others in the same or similar situations. - People with some free time who want to help. - Those who want to work to change the system. - Friends and sympathetic people, who understand how you are feeling.
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Are there mediators?"It is mainly voluntary, with people helping each other as best they can. Access to more professional help is available through signposting and LUS support."
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How can KYR/LUS help me?- We can provide non-expert peer to peer advice (led by experience). - We can attend meetings and assessments with you. - We can provide a friendly ear to discuss issues and find resolutions.
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Our AimsLUS aims to give a voice to unemployed people, in order to counteract the abuses and attacks made upon them by the government, the mass media and organisations such as The Taxpayers Alliance and others. LUS seeks to give unemployed people the support and training they need, in order to express their demands and issues affecting them in the most effective way, thus bringing about real change.
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About usManaged by the Coordinator Maria McCaul, London Unemployed Strategies (LUS) was established by the unemployed and their supporters, including the voluntary sector and Trade Unionists.
Learn More
Mike, who volunteers at the Southwark Know Your Rights group, explains why he became a volunteer and provides an insight into the group and its purpose.