JSA application with Mental Health question.

Charlie_the_Unicorn.

Hello,

I applied for JSA a couple of years back and mentioned in the application of my problem with agoraphobia under the section asking if there are reason why going back into work would be difficult.

What should the job centre be doing at this point when dealing with someone with a mental health issue?

Regards,

C.

Charlie_the_Unicorn.

Sorry for the bump, but I'm bumping.

miduck

What would you like them to do? You can request to see a Disability Employment Advisor if you wish to.

ineed

Charlie_the_Unicorn. wrote: »

Hello,

I applied for JSA a couple of years back and mentioned in the application of my problem with agoraphobia under the section asking if there are reason why going back into work would be difficult.

What should the job centre be doing at this point when dealing with someone with a mental health issue?

Regards,

C.

Sorry I'm not sure of your post , do you mean you've been on JSA a few years and they haven't helped you find a job yet due to you mentioning your MH problem on the form? Or that finding willing employers is difficult for them due to your mentioned condition? You could try explaining to them that with your condition you are at a point where you feel able to do certain jobs and would like to start working if that's the case, get them to emphasise this to potential employers? Could it be they might not fully realise what your capable of?

Are you currently under the care of a mental health team or taking any medications? Do you suffer panic attacks in conjunction with your agoraphobia? I assume your able to get out and about ok? I only ask because some MH centres and hospitals have their own job advisors who might be able to help you.

Charlie_the_Unicorn.

Simply a question on the process the job centre should go through when given that information on application.

In fact I have found a report aimed at improving this dated in 2009 with measures consisting of...

a new mental health co-ordinator role in each Jobcentre Plus district;

a commitment that suitably skilled and knowledgeable advisers undertake
New Jobseeker interviews (NJIs) for customers with mental health
conditions;

incorporating simple self-help and well being messages and advice within
the ‘Find your way back to work’ campaign

...but as for what has been implemented I do not know.

miduck

Are we talking about now or 2009? Have you asked for any help?

Charlie_the_Unicorn.

Specifically for me we're talking 2009. I had mentioned in my application for JSA of my MH problems and discussed it at length at the application interview and the case reviews that took place every three months there after, but no help or advice was forthcoming. It was only an advisor at a job club who said to me I should be applying for ESA. Once taken out of the stress of looking for work did my anxiety improve. Its a shame I didn't know the benefit system at the time or what was available. My MH did keep my head in the sand as dealing with things at the time was very difficult.