Rosie Jones: Using Comedy to Highlight Reality for Disabled People

Rosie Jones, a comedian, actor, and presenter, is using her platform to highlight the struggles faced by disabled people in the UK. Her new series, Pushers, which premieres on Channel 4 on June 19, tells the story of a disabled woman who turns to drug-dealing after her benefits are stopped. Jones wrote the script and stars as the main character, Emily, a working-class and disabled individual living in a northern town. The series is not a reflection of Jones's life, but rather a commentary on the harsh realities faced by many disabled people in the UK.

Key Takeaways:

• Rosie Jones's new series, Pushers, explores the struggles faced by disabled people in the UK, particularly after benefits were cut.
• Jones, a comedian, actor, and presenter, has used her platform to highlight the issues faced by disabled people, including the Tory government's treatment of disabled individuals.
• The series is not autobiographical, but rather a commentary on the state of affairs in the country, with Jones using her experience of having her benefits cut to inform the story.
• Jones is part of the Labour party and was disappointed that the cuts to disability benefits were not reversed after the party won the last election.
• She has been vocal in her opposition to the cuts, signing an open letter to the prime minister with over 100 celebrities and prominent disabled people.
• Jones believes that comedy has the power to engage people with reality and make a difference, stating that she can make more change as a comedian than as a politician.
• Her foundation, the Rosie Jones Foundation, aims to empower lives and change minds so that no person living with cerebral palsy ever feels alone or unheard.
• The foundation provides support for people with cerebral palsy through therapy, community-building, and workshops for young people.

Statistics:

• 44% higher risk of depression and 55% higher risk of anxiety for adults with cerebral palsy compared to non-disabled peers (2019 study)
• Rosie Jones has signed an open letter to the prime minister with over 100 other celebrities and prominent disabled people
• Pushers series will begin on Channel 4 on June 19
• Rosie Jones's I Can't Tell What She's Saying tour will begin in Taunton on September 9

Sources:

• Interview with Rosie Jones by The Guardian
• Pushers official press release
• The Rosie Jones Foundation website
• 2019 study by The Guardian on mental health issues in adults with cerebral palsy