Help and advice needed to get back on track.

The-Walnut

Hi, I don't know if this is the right place to start really but here goes.. I was my mother’s carer up until she sadly passed away last month after a long and brave battle against terminal cancer. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with the disease right after I finished my degree in 2004 and needed constant care while she battled the illness, for a long time we had to cope with out financial support as her form of cancer was not listed on government lists so we had a to battle on, with me getting the odd Christmas job to help bring extra funds into the house until she was able to claim disability and I was able to be listed as her carer..

As I said she sadly passed away last month and I’m now at a loss as to what options are open to me.. Currently I’m receiving what was left of my carers allowance, and after that I don’t really know what to do.. I was wondering if people had any helpful suggestions as to what avenues are available in terms of what I can do now.. My original degree was in the media genre and although I still have interests in that it would be much harder to get into that field now, as I’ve lost touch in many of its practices. So I was wondering if there are courses that are funded or if grants are available for someone who wants to get back into I guess what most would call a normal life. I hope someone out there will be maybe able to offer some help and advice.

Thanks in advance

jayII

I'm sorry about your mum.

I don't have any advice per se but didn't want to read and run. Have you looked at local colleges? They may have useful courses which are free to people on benefits/low incomes.

It could be worth contacting local bereavement charities too, for emotional and moral support and possibly practical advice.

whitewing

Can Macmillan help you at all now your mum has sadly passed away? They must have known people in similar positions.

Do give yourself time to grieve. Difficult if you are worrying about your future. Perhaps Cruse could give you some advice.

Also the CAB may be able to help. My friend said to get there before it opened and wait so you don't have to wait for hours.

Voluntary work would help you get into a routine but I guess that may affect finances/availability etc so it may not be appropriate right now.

I think anything you so this year may not end up being what you want to do permanently so give yourself some flexibility. Things that seem right one moment may not seem so good the next month and vice versa.

Sorry for your loss. Hope you have lots of great memories.

gibson123

I am so sorry to hear about your Mum, I think you should look into updating your skills and perhaps doing some voluntary work, this link may be useful.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/CareerDevelopmentLoans/index.htm

The-Walnut

Hi thank you everyone for replying so quickly really kind of people to give me ideas and things to think about. I've contacted my local college but still waiting for them to get back to me. I was told by the hospice that looked after my mum in the last few days that I may be able to get a grant to help with a course and, I'm still waiting on them as well.. If anyone has any other suggestions I'd be very grateful.

marybelle01

Your university or college careers service - or one at a nearby higher education institution. There is no expiry date on asking them for advice.