ESA support group

You don't have to do anything. You can ask to be contacted by an adviser with a view to getting work ready.

I currently receive no support. I was contacted by the work programme (I was with them whilst on JSA) and was asked if I wanted support from them. I declined this; as they have no idea about my disabilities (they told me they can't be that bad if I've just been diagnosed - one can come on at any time) and have no idea how to deal with disabled people.

Thanks for answering. I know I don't *need* to do anything, however I'm hoping to receive some support should I ask for it. I suspect you may be right though and that they won't be particularly mindful of my health problems (depression which has large knock-on effects on my ability to function 'normally'). Be nice if someone comes along with more positive experiences though!

I don't know of anyone in the support group who has asked for help. More often than not, their disabilities are too serious to even think about work.

If you did ask for help, it sounds as though you'd be put on the work programme. I think if you decided a few months later it's not for you, you can be sanctioned.

I also can't say that I have heard of anyone on ESA receiving any meaningful help (apart from the financial assistance, of course). A friend of mine, who'd worked for quite a few years, wanted advice on retraining for when he's well enough to work again. He can't physically continue with his old profession. Unfortunately, they didn't have any helpful suggestions for him. Most they came up with were classes in English, Maths and IT for beginners at the Community College, but he doesn't need any help with those. They offered training in CV writing, but he's not ready for work yet, or confidence-building classes that were far away and he's not lacking in confidence! So yeah, that seemed to be the limit.

Sounds like what I was offered whilst on JSA.

I also can't say that I have heard of anyone on ESA receiving any meaningful help (apart from the financial assistance, of course). A friend of mine, who'd worked for quite a few years, wanted advice on retraining for when he's well enough to work again. He can't physically continue with his old profession. Unfortunately, they didn't have any helpful suggestions for him. Most they came up with were classes in English, Maths and IT for beginners at the Community College, but he doesn't need any help with those. They offered training in CV writing, but he's not ready for work yet, or confidence-building classes that were far away and he's not lacking in confidence! So yeah, that seemed to be the limit.

It's good that those options are available, but on the whole, they appear to be tailored towards those without much knowledge or education - helpful for those who need that little boost, but not for people who already know the basics, or more. It's not geared up for individual circumstances and career paths, either.

It is worthwhile asking about voluntary work, though. I'm pretty certain that it is permitted, but it's better to be safe than sorry!

Good luck, OP. You have a very positive attitude, and I hope you can get back to work soon .

Thanks for the info about your friend and for your comments. Hope your friend manages to get back into a good job soon.