Support/Help to gain funding for self emlpoyed

[Sarah2014]

This might be a long shot but i am hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction.

I claim now benefits and cant.. however i have a number of health issues and disabilities. I am struggling with work and on and off sick and hoping i might be able to find a organisation that can help with funding or loans to look into self employed work.

I live in North East england. My conditions are only getting worse and i really want to try and have a quality of life where i dont loose everything ... hence why hoping self employment will work out??

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

hi Sarah,

can I suggest that you contact your local job centre and ask if you can make an appointment with the Disability Employment Advisor. They will be able to advise you and provide support into self employment. xxx

[Sarah2014 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Thank you for your info. I will definitely give them a try...fingers crossed. But am unsure they will help because am currently on the sick from an employer and about to hand my notice in because i dont think i can continue with this. (Currently trying to see occupational health but they also agree i cant be working at the moment in the role that i do) - My manager wont give me access to a seat. very stressful.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff in reply to Sarah2014]

I think the disability advisor can still see you even though you are working xxx

[Sarah2014 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Thank you. Appreciate it xx

[Fra22-57]

After your sick benefit ends you could claim for ESA. But job centre could advise you about self employment. My daughter gets benefits and if I remember correctly was given lots of help starting it also extra money for so long too

[Sarah2014 in reply to Fra22-57]

Thank you. Unfortunately am not entitled to any ESA. The year they look at to check if u have paid enough in order to be allowed ESA was the year I was off on maternity. I've asked for them to reconsider it but I doubt it.

[Pipido36]

Hi,

Sorry to hear you are suffering and cannot stay in work. I'm also in the Northeast and faced the same situation and I ended up living the job I loved so much. If you want information about loans to start business you can contact Five Lamps or Catalyst who can advise you about funding to start small projects. Hope this helps. Inbox me if you need more details.

[Sarah2014 in reply to Pipido36]

Thank you. I just realised my message didn't reply.

I've got a few appointments so fingers crossed I can get something sorted for support.

[shazzap12]

Hi

You can contact access to work for funding for support. I was in a similar situation and started a virtual support business from home five years ago I now employ one person and various freelance subcontractors, as my business has grown quite well. I get funding from access to work for a support worker and for any additional equipment I need to help with my disability. My employee suffers from anxiety quite badly and also has a skin condition which is getting less and we have just applied for funding from access to work to support her as well in her home and are awaiting an assessment I would seriously recommend access to work as it helps you with the funding to either stay in work or with your self employment hope this helps

[Sarah2014 in reply to shazzap12]

Thank you. I have appointment in 2 weeks and I think she said we would discuss what you've said in your message. Did u gain this services via job centre.

[shazzap12 in reply to Sarah2014]

Hi

No, I applied directly to them

[Sarah2014 in reply to shazzap12]

But it's the one via the direct gov website. As I've seen that one and I think that's the one they said they would do with me.