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[kimmy]

hi im kim. im on E.S.A...but this is my second time of going through the process.my first was rejected.i am a single mum,with one son living at home.i have B.P.D and dependancy disorder..panic attacks also..i have been through quite alot with this over recent months.but a house fire,which i managed to control on my own.has made me look differently.i have problems when low of going out my dopor and i panic around alot of people. but now i realise i cannot live on my e.s.a...my son is very needy as teens are,and stuggle with paying bills..but i keep lookin above this and am thinking of trying to return to some sort of work.i have my medical on wednesday.this week.but was wondering if anyone could have any advice as to coming of e.s.a...from my previous medical. i dont think i will pass.and dont want to have to deal with the rejection..thats the worst part of it..so just wondering if anyone knew of my best way of doing this...thanks kim

[Girly]

Hi kimmy

Do you have a Job Centre Plus in your area or a Citizens Advice Bureau, they are useful for getting information about getting back into work. Also the government website direct.gov has lots of information on getting work and applying for jobs.

If you do get a job on a part time basis you could well be eligible for Working Tax Credit too. I rely on Tax Credits to help me get through as due to my BPD I only work 18 hours a week.

One thing that I'd recommend is voluntary work to get you back into the routine. Most local papers have a section for volunteers wanted. Voluntary work can also help you gain confidence and experience.

Let us know how you get on,

Girly

[kimmy]

hi girly..yes i do have jobcentre and c.a.b...i have since writing earlier had a offer of a interview at a local supermarket. part time 18 hours over 3 days..im not sure..i think sometimes my B.P.D comes in and makes me feel nervous and worried alot..im worried about wether to cancel my medical and go with interview. and then see what i can do apart from e.s.a.....as i have failed one medical and dont feel, after reading others..that i will win the medical.i dont want to put myself through the rejection of failing it..as it is a long way i have to travel by public transport.of which i have to take someone.as cant do alone,and have to get off the bus,as cant deal with alot of people.thanks kim

[Girly]

Kimmy I think it is important to go to the medical and go to the interview. That way you are covering all options. Also having someone accompany you to the medical would be something that the ESA assessors could take into their assessment. If you cancel the medical you may not have something to fall back on.

I hope that the interview goes well. I do my 18 hours over three days a week and that is managable for me.

[imperfectsilence]

I was told in Feb I was fit for work at my medical despite not being able to go anywhere alone and being suicidal so I went onto jobseekers in March. I have been applying for things regularly but rejected every time which just makes me feel worse. I have now been told by my job centre they feel I am not well enough to work due to my self harming issues and the fact that I have to see a psychiatrist and am seeing my mental health worker every 2 weeks and an increase in meds....it just gets so annoying being passed from one to the other as they have suggested I go back on ESA....the system is rubbish.

[kimmy]

hi all, wanted to update i won my medical and they have put me on a work related group,which means i have to go see a advisor and join a group to try get me into some sort of work, but my dad has been taken poorly and am lookin at becoming there carers..its all complicated and not sure were to post my problems to get some sort of help or advice..as i am needing to move in new year and wanted to move away but parents need me, but i wonder whens my lifes time...i just seem to run raged for everyone but me.....thanks kim