[lou99pop]

I'm wondering if any of you who got ESA (Employment and Support Allowance in UK only) have passed through WRAG (Work Related Activity Group) or LCW (Limited Capability for Work) after the first medical assessment by ATOS and continue to have another second medical assessment by ATOS to decide which category they'll be in either SG (Support Group) or WRHAG (Work Related Health Activity Group) and if they decide to put the claimant in WRHAG/WRAG instead of SG, meaning they will have to go to the Jobcentre Plus for further support as per activity plan otherwise they will lose their benefits, so how people with mental health conditions can cope with that system? Is it helpful or not?

I know it helped me knowing I do not have to deal with it.

[Perna]

If you have to jump through those hoops, you have to jump through them. Any support would be helpful to me, getting a job. I don't know about the UK system or mental health issues when getting jobs there but I have a friend who's quadriplegic here in the US and the system trained him and helped him get a good job, etc. and he's great when he can get a job. Problem is he doesn't have much hand/arm control so is "slow" even with tools to help him (he's a draftsman) so when there is an economic downturn like now, he's usually the first to be let go.

I would welcome a job if I needed one and they were going to train me, etc. I'd rather work than not, even with mental issues. If things get worse/one can't deal with one's problems, they're going to get worse anyway and that can be dealt with when it happens rather than at the start. If you're curious and the opportunity is offered, go for it is what I'd do!

[lou99pop]

People with mental health conditions (bipolar, borderline personality disorder, schzophrenia, psychotic depression, drug&alcohol issues etc) may have struggled with the support from a Personal Advisor who is responsible to help them to find a suitable work also other support materials such as helping them with C.V, filling the forms, workshops etc., can they manage to keep their appointments with their Personal Advisor regularly, despite of taking medications that make them drowsy and tiredness, maybe unwillingness/frustrating to maintain their appointments with Jobcentre Plus/Personal Advisor, due to that their mood differ each day?
Because of that, I'm concerned and want to voice for other people with mental health conditions.

[Junerain]

I wanted to stop by and wish you luck, lou99pop

Have you communicated to the Personal Advisor your concerns, and if so, what was the response? What kinds of things help you personally with motivation? I feel for ya, wish only the best!!