Benefit changes causing stress, says Belfast charity 30 April 2013 Last updated at 18:40 By Tara Mills BBC News A Northern Ireland counselling charity has said it is concerned at the levels of stress that changes to benefits are causing some of its clients. The biggest reforms to the welfare system in 60 years are being introduced and thousands of people are facing reassessment interviews. East Belfast Community Counselling helps 120 people every week and its director, Roberta Richmond, said Northern Ireland should be seen as a special case. I think we should be treated more sensitively. It also has to be taken into account that we're a society coming out of conflict. Even in England some measures have been introduced to try to lessen the impact. Breakdown One former soldier, who only wants to be known by his first name, Robert, said the reassessment system for his incapacity benefit was more like an interrogation. The 48-year-old was caught up in the aftermath of an explosion that killed two colleagues in February 1988 in Royal Avenue in Belfast city centre. He said: "Initially I was OK, but later when I went to the shop and I saw their pictures in the Belfast Telegraph I just broke down in tears." You go in there and from the minute you go in you're just so uncomfortable. On two of the occasions they had to adjourn it because they had me in such a state sitting there crying End Quote Robert Incapacity benefit claimant Robert stayed on in the Army for another eight years but when his partner took her own life he suffered a breakdown. He said: "I didn't really like going on benefits because I've always worked all my life. I'd rather be out working than not working - the boredom sets in and you're not living the way you would like to. Hardship Then last year the reassessment of his benefit began with a face to face interview and then an appeal. On two of the occasions they had to adjourn it because they had me in such a state sitting there crying. It's like they're saying they don't believe you, sure look at you there's nothing wrong with you - a physical illness you can see, a mental illness you can't. Roberta Richmond believes the changes will cause real hardship for many people but she is quick to point out help is at hand if people get the right advice. The Department of Social Development can be contacted with queries about welfare changes via their website.