The canton of Jura is putting itself into battle in the face of precariousness. A campaign to fight against non-take-up of social benefits will be deployed for six weeks, between May 2 and June 16. The operation organized by the State and various partners aims to raise awareness among the population and support those affected to assess their rights to benefits.
The canton’s 2021 social report indicates that 10,000 people live in poverty or are threatened with poverty in Jura, or 15% of the population. The authorities estimate that there are 3,500 potential beneficiaries of social assistance, i.e. people who do not request anything due to lack of knowledge, various fears or because of administrative burden. The campaign which is opening therefore wants to tackle the problem by putting a website online, JU-lien.org. A requester for information via this platform will be followed and advised within three days by a person specializing in the social field. Free and confidential interviews will be offered. In terms of awareness, the canton will put up posters, distribute flyers and make announcements in the media.
“Dignity is priceless”
In addition to supporting people who are entitled to benefits but who do not request them, the State also wants to lead a fight to destigmatize them. He also intends to get to know these people with a view to future actions. “We want to gain knowledge about this public which is today in a certain way invisible, since these people are not known to the social partners in place in the Jura. We want to better understand the reasons why they have not used the various services until now,” specifies the head of the Social Action Department, Muriel Christe Marchand.
The cost of this campaign amounts to 50,000 francs. A sum in a difficult period for cantonal finances. But for the Jura Minister of the Interior, Nathalie Barthoulot, “dignity is priceless”, especially since the law requires a fight against precariousness. “The law on social action reminds us that we must take care of each and everyone. We must provide conditions worthy of existence.”
The Jura state hopes to obtain around a hundred requests for information during this six-week campaign to combat non-take-up of social benefits, i.e. 5% of potential beneficiaries. Seven people were hired to respond and provide guidance. /rch
