Ex-Student with mental issues needs ur advice

bluff_2

If you live in the East of England you could try the Papworth Trust. They are a disability charity who help disabled people (including those with mental health issues) get back into work through training and an employment service. They have several centres across East Anglia.

Just Google 'Papworth Trust' to find their website.

Oldernotwiser

needuradvice wrote: »

thanks guys...

...well i guess thats ended my career then

Can you guys think of any other path that can help me back into work?

Don't give up - even if it means working and saving for what you want.

Why not look at transferring your existing credits to the OU so that you can update your degree? Although you won't get funding, you'd only need to do an additional 120 credits over a couple of years to get another degree..

needuradvice

@stephyt23 - As said before, my job centre advisor knows less than even i do.

@ bluff - Unfortunately I live in West Yorkshire.

@ Oldernotwiser - I'm interested, but what do you mean by transfer existing credits? Where do i get these credits from?

FYI I have wide areas of subject interest, including computers, nhs/health to construction and one subject i have found very interesting is debt advice/counselling.

Mankysteve

I think in the current fiscali times going back to uni if you can get funding is the best idea. Once the Tories have had there way there wont be any jobs in this country for a while.

Oldernotwiser

needuradvice wrote: »

@stephyt23 - As said before, my job centre advisor knows less than even i do.

@ bluff - Unfortunately I live in West Yorkshire.

@ Oldernotwiser - I'm interested, but what do you mean by transfer existing credits? Where do i get these credits from?

FYI I have wide areas of subject interest, including computers, nhs/health to construction and one subject i have found very interesting is debt advice/counselling.

The OU will normally accept an honours degree as 240 credits, leaving you needing another 120 units (normally 2 years part time study) to be awarded an OU degree.

needuradvice

@ mankysteve - i agree. how do they expect people to land in good jobs if they can't have the necessary training/education?

@ oldernotwiser - So if my degree is worth 240 credits, how do i get the other 120 units? Do i pay for this? if so how much?

I would like to add that after some nhs research, i have found that the nhs will fund me if i went into a career which is in "demand". For example if i want to become a doctor, i will get funded for the degree, but i will not get funded for any lower level courses such as A-level/nvq etc.

Now if the degree is covered, then how can i do an A-level (AS & A2) course or should i say how can i do such course without costing the earth?

Oldernotwiser

needuradvice wrote: »

@ mankysteve - i agree. how do they expect people to land in good jobs if they can't have the necessary training/education?

@ oldernotwiser - So if my degree is worth 240 credits, how do i get the other 120 units? Do i pay for this? if so how much?

I would like to add that after some nhs research, i have found that the nhs will fund me if i went into a career which is in "demand". For example if i want to become a doctor, i will get funded for the degree, but i will not get funded for any lower level courses such as A-level/nvq etc.

Now if the degree is covered, then how can i do an A-level (AS & A2) course or should i say how can i do such course without costing the earth?

120 credits is likely to be 2 OU modules - the price will vary (see the website) but you can spread the cost over the year. You won't get any funding for this or a lower level course. I'm afraid.

[Deleted User]

needuradvice wrote: »

@stephyt23 - As said before, my job centre advisor knows less than even i do.

@ bluff - Unfortunately I live in West Yorkshire.

@ Oldernotwiser - I'm interested, but what do you mean by transfer existing credits? Where do i get these credits from?

FYI I have wide areas of subject interest, including computers, nhs/health to construction and one subject i have found very interesting is debt advice/counselling.

perhaps you could consider volunteering with citizens advice,they do alot of debt advice stuff and would provide experience and training

gochi

Don't despair. There might be a way around this with the OU and getting funding for the tuition fee costs.

There is some discretionary funding for previous degree holders if you wanted to do a Foundation Degree with the OU. It's for people on a low income. You would get funding to do 60 credits a year I think. There are a couple of Computing Foundation Degrees and some of them involve work placements so it would help you to get some work experience.

Also your hearing problems would be classed as a Disability which would allow you to apply for Disabled Student Allowance which in turn would make it easier for you to get your course fees paid.

(I'm not allowed to post links but if you google OU and go to Financial Support and then Eligibility Checker - you should get more info). They say that:

Some discretionary funding is available for students who have a household income of less than £16,845 (plus allowances) in England or Northern Ireland or £16,865 (plus allowances) in Wales and meet one of the following criteria:

• are studying towards a named foundation degree
• are in receipt of, or are eligible for, a Disabled Students' Allowance
• have previously been awarded funding by The Open University towards a second degree-level qualification and are continuing to work towards the same qualification (having successfully completed courses they have previously received support towards).
  

If you meet these conditions, click Proceed to check your eligibility.


It's worth contacting them to ask.

evespikey

you may not be eligable for a lower level qualification than the degree you already have, but how about an MA/MSc? There are lots of charities that help fully/part fund postgraduate study, such as educational/low income/disability charities. Universities also have their own busaries/scholarships according to these criteria.

There's also the Personal and Career Development Loan, which I'm actually taking, which is used specifically if you're living in the UK, intend to stay in the UK, and use it for a course that will help to further your career. You can find out more about PCDL on the directgov website.