Top Ten Vocational Tips for Mental Health Users


*Remember to take your time looking for appropriate employment and training, volunteering or education. It can seem daunting at first and most people feel anxious about starting something new. However, explore possibilities that will suit you, and always have an achievable goal in mind*
 
 

  1. Many people with mental health needs find they are covered by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (DDA). This covers finding a job and maintaining employment. Check out in more detail exactly what this means for you on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website
     

  2. If you need help and support to find employment try a Job Broker. Look on the website: www.jobbrokersearch.gov.uk or ask in the local Job Centre Plus. Some Job Brokers will take a long time assessing your needs others try and match you with suitable employment very quickly. Try the one which suits your needs best
     
  3. If you get an interview for a job and have declared your health needs ask about reasonable adjustments. Examples of these are: flexible working hours, working from home at times, time off to go to medical appointments or for therapy. Make sure you mention this in a positive way by emphasising that these adjustments will mean you are able to do the job far better and achieve better results. To find out about reasonable adjustments take a look at: www.mindfulemployer.net
     
  4. Being adequately prepared for interviews or writing a good CV can be very important. If you require support with these there are numerous places which can help, especially on the internet for example: www.southwarklearning.info /  www.employment-cafe.co.uk 
     
  5. Look at our Education Page
     
  6. Volunteering is often an excellent way of ‘getting your foot through the door’. It is a time to show your skills and abilities with less pressure than paid employment. Decide what you want from volunteering, do you want a paid job eventually? learn new skills, or helping/companionship? Volunteering vacancies can be found on: www.do-it.org.uk for further information about volunteering look on: www.volunteering.org.uk or Tel: 0800 028 3304. Alternatively ask the local Capital Volunteering Co-ordinator at SL&M for support. Sarah McDonald Tel: 020 7926 2327
     
  7. Starting volunteering, education or training can be very stressful. This stress often comes down to worrying about benefit entitlements. The Department for Work and Pensions need to be notified with regards to this. Be sure to get a supporting letter from a psychiatrist/social worker etc stating that the activity being undertaken is to improve your health and well being, to gain confidence, and this is part of a rehabilitative process. They should emphasise that your health needs and incapacity status remain the same
     
  8. As with employment many service users accessing Higher Education Courses are covered by the DDA, although declaration of health needs is required to get further support and assistance. The system is quite complex so it necessary to get accurate help before you start a course: check out www.skill.org.uk
     
  9. Any individual with health needs of any description can claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA). It is vital that help is sought to complete the long, complicated forms, otherwise your chances of success are minimal. A successful claim will often mean that other benefits are increased so tell the office that you get incapacity benefit/income support from. If you do not tell them you may lose a lot of money which will not be backdated. Take a look at www.benefitsinmind.org.uk for more details about DLA
     
  10. Officially you can work and claim DLA. However it seems claims often stop when mental health users start employment. It is important again to get a supporting letter from your psychiatrist/social worker etc stating that the work is part of your rehabilitation, and that you are still receiving medical help and support because of reasonable adjustments under the DDA 2005. They should also state that your health needs remain the same as the last claim. It could also be useful to see if you can claim tax credits, look at: www.entitledto.co.uk or ask at Jobcentre Plus
 

Useful Publication: 

Benefits! Where do I stand?; A guide to moving into work for people with mental health problems (Oct 2006) 

MOVING INTO WORK; A guide to the benefits, tax credits and other help available to disabled people considering work or self-employment [April 2006]

Disability Alliance: www.disabilityalliance.org Tel: 020 7247 8776