Laura Bennett

Policy & Public Affairs @RainbowTrustCC & @lbsorg. Trustee @RightsOfWomen. Carer. Charity lifer. Londoner. Fond of a lipstick.

[Laura Bennett @LauraBWork]

I'm not leaving X, but I am dipping my toe into Bluesky - you can find me there https://t.co/fpXccoAZxX

[Laura Bennett @LauraBWork]

@shanebrown74 @TfL @TfLAccess This would be so useful, and one I've often suggested to @Citymapper. Access for people with mobility issues isn't just about lifts or escalators, it's about walking distance and numbers of stairs up and down. (Also: petition for the one-way system at Victoria to be scrapped.)

[Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity @RainbowTrustCC]

Rainbow Trust has responded to today’s King’s Speech, welcoming proposals for the NHS Modernisation Bill and Education for All Bill. Families with a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness need joined up support across health, care and education

https://t.co/xkL4kCd0KZ

[Jennifer Thetford-Kay @JenKteach]

GPs ‘force the elderly to book online in breach of NHS rules’ - Critics say some practices are operating with impunity and should lose funding.

GP surgeries are forcing elderly patients to book appointments online, against NHS rules, a survey suggests. As many as one in three people aged 75 or over surveyed by a charity said they were made to submit online forms to see a doctor. This is despite the GP contract requiring all practices to allow patients to book over the phone or in person if they prefer.

The Re-engage “Care On Hold” Survey (926 responses, aged 75+, England-focused data)
◾️33% can only book online.
◾️Preferred/used methods: Phone 68%, In-person 21%, Online 10%.
◾️70% do not have equipment/knowledge to book online without support.
◾️63% say online systems increase loneliness and isolation.
◾️36% feel “cut off” from care; some no longer try to book.
Impacts: Delayed/untreated conditions, self-treatment, increased use of emergency services.

NHS England GP Contract Rules (current as of 2025/26)
◾️Practices must make directly bookable appointments available online and by phone and in person.
◾️Online systems must remain open all core hours (since Oct 2025).
◾️Patient preference for booking method should be recorded at registration.
◾️No replacement of traditional methods permitted.
https://t.co/At5K4Z0qWK

[Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity @RainbowTrustCC]

Following a parliamentary debate about the role of grassroots charities, @ZillahBingley, Chief Executive, said:

"Charities must be recognised as partners in policy discussions and funding decisions, rather than treated as an afterthought."

https://t.co/HQzv5LoZq7

[Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity @RainbowTrustCC]

Speaking today, Chief Executive, @ZillahBingley, said: “The Spring Statement is an important opportunity to influence government spending: it presents an opportunity for Government to take a holistic approach to public spending that supports families.”

https://t.co/9eRh5R1asv

[Laura Bennett @LauraBWork]

Do have a scroll through our new Impact Report - it's really immersive, the visual storytelling, combined with facts and figures, show how much social palliative care is needed for families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness https://t.co/jbaENeiiuj

[Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity @RainbowTrustCC]

Welcome to our Impact Report: A Knock at the Door, so called because much of our support to seriously ill children and their families begins with exactly that. Please watch and share this post to open more doors to Rainbow Trust.

Watch here: https://t.co/4xkqIgxUae

[Laura Bennett @LauraBWork]

I’ve worked at @RainbowTrustCC for 2 years, we provide brilliant support for families whose child has a life-threatening or terminal illness. It’s our 40th year, I’m fundraising by walking 40 miles over 40 days. If you can give, even 40p or £4, thank you
https://t.co/Df7s4BxvL5

[Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity @RainbowTrustCC]

"We welcome the Government’s announcement of £10 million to help families with the cost of travelling to cancer treatment. Any recognition of the financial pressure families face is positive," said our Chief Executive @ZillahBingley.

https://t.co/BWa5H3ch04

[Laura Bennett @LauraBWork]

Vote for @RainbowTrustCC 's film, A Very Very Big Difference to win a Smiley Charity Film Award 2026. The film shows the difference Family Support Workers make to families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness. Please vote here: https://t.co/m67bFkvkUD

[The BMJ @bmj_latest]

New BMJ Research: Existing evidence does not clearly link paracetamol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy with autism or ADHD in children, finds an in-depth evidence review
https://t.co/h7VV0YVEHM

[Rights of Women @rightsofwomen]

Join our team! 🌟Rights of Women is seeking a Fundraising & Partnerships Manager to help build meaningful partnerships, deepen donor engagement and grow the sustainability of our work to advance women’s rights. Bring your ideas!

https://t.co/AvIlrdM0vy

#jobs #recruitment

[EVAW Coalition @EVAWuk]

Landmark decision in the family courts, which should never rely on reports from unregulated psychologists.

Thanks to @rightsofwomen for your advocacy for survivors and to @hansummers @TBIJ for bringing public attention to how women and children are failed by the family courts.

[Dame Nicole Jacobs @CommissionerDA]

I'm extremely pleased to see the government announce that it is going to repeal the presumption of parental involvement.

This is a huge victory for @clairethrossell and others have fought tirelessly to ensure children lives aren't put at risk due to unsafe contact orders.

[Rights of Women @rightsofwomen]

We have long called for children’s welfare and survivors of domestic abuse to be prioritised in child contact cases in the family courts.

The Ministry of Justice announcement to repeal the presumption of parental involvement is a positive step forward.

https://t.co/ArchC4tUW6

[Rights of Women @rightsofwomen]

The Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s report reflects what we see every day: survivors’ abuse is minimised in the family courts. Urgent reform is needed to keep women and children safe.

@CommissionerDA

[Dame Nicole Jacobs @CommissionerDA]

My recent report on the Family Court highlights just how hard a system it is to navigate as a survivor of domestic abuse.

Here are some of the things survivors told my office about their experience👇

[Laura Bennett @LauraBWork]

@andy_mcgowan Well done, Andy.

[Rights of Women @rightsofwomen]

“They gave us back our freedom.”

Maya* faced her abuser in family court alone. With expert advice from Rights of Women, she was able to protect herself and her children.

Donate by midday tomorrow to double your impact: https://t.co/6XHDZ4QaOW

#AccesstoJustice

@BigGive

[Rights of Women @rightsofwomen]

Justice shouldn’t have a price tag.
Too many women face abuse & court alone. @rightsofwomen gives free legal advice - a lifeline for survivors.
Until 15 Oct, your donation is matched by the @BigGive
💥 Donate now 👉https://t.co/6XHDZ4QIEu
#DoubleYourImpact

[Laura Bennett @LauraBWork]

🌈 We’re looking for a Policy & Public Affairs Volunteer at @RainbowTrustCC! Work with me to influence policy so families with a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness get the support they need.👉https://t.co/aznfK6s2sp