Sophie Fournel, a Kent Research Partnership Training and Research Fellow and Chief Executive Officer of Disability Assist, has been featured prominently in recent media coverage addressing the controversial increase in care costs for disabled residents in Kent. Her insights were highlighted in both BBC South East and Kent Online, where she discussed the impact of Kent County Council’s (KCC) new policy changes on some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
In an interview with BBC South East, Sophie emphasized the challenges faced by disabled people in the county, stating that they often lack a strong voice in public discussions. She expressed concern that many individuals are hesitant to speak out for fear of losing the limited support they currently receive. Sophie urged the council to reconsider targeting disabled people to recover budget shortfalls, pointing out that these individuals “really can’t afford to lose the little that they do currently receive.”
Screenshot from BBC News South East
Her concerns were echoed in a detailed piece by Kent Online, where Sophie addressed the potential financial strain these changes could impose on disabled residents already struggling with high living costs. She highlighted the risks of higher charges leading to people foregoing necessary care and support due to affordability issues, further exacerbating their hardships.
Sophie’s advocacy on this critical issue underscores her commitment to ensuring that the voices of disabled people are heard and that their needs are not overlooked in the face of financial pressures. Her media appearances have brought much-needed attention to the plight of disabled individuals in Kent, particularly as the cost of living crisis continues to impact their ability to access essential care and support.
As a fellow at the Kent Research Partnership, Sophie’s work in both research and advocacy continues to influence public discourse and policy, making a significant impact on the local community.