I'm Yenni in Manchester, 31 years old. I was active hear 5-7 years ago and have been doing the slow brain injury, road accident recovery since then. My TBI was about 8 years ago and I've only just started feeling ready and able to start [thinking about] working again. Oh, but the gripping fear and insecurity has a firm hold! I've started writing down a couple questions to ask headway helpline this week but would be very grateful to hear some of your advice and stories please.
My big worries relate to benefits, support, job centres, programmes, part time hours. All the technical stuff doesn't make the process or journey at all hopeful. So maybe finding some positives to this? I'm lost!
And I still get so confused on the 'do you have a disability?' yes or no question!
Please and thanks
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Hi, a year ago I felt that I was able to try 'things' again. There are many horror stories of people going back to work, where it seems ok to start, then fatigue creeps in and the wheels fall off the wagon again. I think the issue is that people get used to what they are doing and can function in the home environment etc. Then work adds a whole different strain on the process and time is needed to adjust, learn skills etc and communicate without getting overwhelmed in other situations.I decided to do a part-time course in uni. It was really difficult for the first 4 months mainly in processing information at a 'normal' speed and trying to stay coherent in conversations and producing legible written work. There was tons of reading and time management was important as well as the commitment. Over the first year most of these skills developed and for the ones that did not quite come up to par the the uni has provided specialist one to one coaching in verbal memory and written integration of information.
It's just a thought that going 'back to school' may help regain skills lost after BI and you are not really aware of the loss. You may also find life takes a different path from what you imagine with a gaining confidence and outlook. You could put BI to work for you because you have the direct experience in the field.
Hi Inneyenni. Have you thought of testing your limits with voluntary work ? It wouldn't affect any benefits you're receiving and could lead to other interesting options besides what you're used to.
Most importantly it can prove, one way or the other, how well you cope with the extra focus and stimulus of a workplace.
There are lots of voluntary options in many different fields such as teaching assistance, animal welfare, prison/hospital visiting, conservation work and so much more.
There are countless volunteer options online if you Google 'Volunteering options UK'. Just a thought !
If you have a company or speciality in mind 'Remploy' can help with preparation and rights.
I'm going to start a volunteer post of a couple of hours office admin a week - to dip a toe back into the murky waters of employment - I'm a bit scared, because I don't want to find out it is too much for me - but perhaps its a decent baby step forward, and they know about ny fatigue.
I'm volunteering (in stops and starts with limited hours) and kept busy in isolation with part time at open uni. I can't imagine uni work without the world shut down around me but I think perhaps mindset is the biggest hurdle. Taking it slow and bring conscious of uncomfortable adjustment periods.
Best of luck Painting-girl. This reminds me too that that people don't want us to suffer! Breaks and adjustments when we need.
This has helped direct me to a science college nearby for part time explorations. This has also helped highlight the work needed for peace of mind. Two things to explore! Fatigue club
Hi Yenni, I think others have suggested the volunteer role to test out the water, seems like a good step if you up for the challenge. A lot of volunteer roles you can choose to do as much as you you can, but some will depend on a certain level of commitment, but you will only know if you talk to the organisation's.
I often have the mad idea of a future where I slip into my old life, then I step out the front door, and the world slaps in the face. Small steps, one step at a time. Northing wrong with having an ambition, but there maybe different routes to the same destination.
I have found that there are some legal restrictions, that may or may not effect you. The DWP, if you received ESA support group, you are restricted on hours, and can only effectively attend education, or volunteer as in work experience.
In my case, I was retired on medical grounds, and employment legislation impacts on your ability to re-enter the jobs market.
With regards to the question do you have a disability? Yes is the answer. You should declare that you have a disability. This can backfire if you don't declare, and later need support.
There is a legal duty by employers to interview suitably qualified disabled people, and failure can result in legal sanctions. This doesn't give you a golden ticket, it just ensures that you are interviewed.
Employers must make reasonable adjustments to support you if you are the best candidate for the job. So in effect it should mean that you are judged on your ability, qualifications, and experience, as if you were no different to others, but you cannot be discounted purely on your differences.
I said that not disclosing can backfire. This is like any disclosure, be it disability, or criminal convictions. It can mean that you struggle to work, and get disillusioned at best, but by not declaring, and later claiming that you can't cope, maybe seen as a breach of your terms of employment, you failed to give the employer the opportunity to make reasonable adjustments to support you.
Hope this helps, good luck for a bright and successful future 🍀
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