If that rings a bell it’s important to know what support is out there as watching too much ‘Trisha’ can do serious damage. Places like this website can really help as can lots of services out there. As well as talking about your situation there are lots of ways to fill your time that can do you a lot of favours like volunteering and joining an activity group.
On top of all that though, CALM has noticed that the government have introduced some new ways to try and help support you. Jobcentre Plus Offices have now got small teams of Personal Advisors specifically put together to give you all the help and advice you might need. This is through a programme called “Pathways to Work”. And we’re not just talking busybodies… We’re talking hard cash and training / work trials to get you back in the mood for working.
Everyone’s got an opinion on benefits and job centres but there’s a lot of myths out there, so let’s get some facts straight:
• You could be able to get an extra £40 a week tax free on top of your salary if you get a new job after 13 weeks or more on a health related benefit
• The job centre now offer a course called “Condition Management” that can give you some tips and ideas on how to manage any issues affecting you, like depression
• Personal Advisors can give you information about them paying for your travelling costs to get to interviews
• Sometimes you can try some paid work and still get paid your benefits! A Personal Advisor could give you more information about this
We can’t guarantee every member of staff at the job centre will be your best mate but there is a lot more support there now then their used to be.
For more info have a look at this section of the job centre plus website.
