Back to education after 30 yrs but PIP?

~Chameleon~

SlimmingSusan wrote: »

Yes have applied for DSA- a mentor? have already got a mentor as part of peer mentoring, not sure I could cope with 2

But peer mentors are only to help you find your way around the campus etc for the first few weeks. The type of mentor that DSA will pay for is more like a counsellor and will see you on a weekly basis (or as often as you require) to discuss coping strategies and planning your studies etc. They also liaise with student support services on your behalf to arrange any extensions etc you might need with work.

I would strongly advise you consider it especially as you have mental health difficulties. Don't underestimate the effects stress will have upon you when you have deadlines to meet during a "down" period.

SlimmingSusan

How do I get one of those Chameleon? Seems exactly what I need.Actually looking at your post, I did not know these existed. I have a support worker from local mental health team, but he is honestly as barmy as me. He went to the all boys grammar schoo0l next to my all girls grammar back in the 70s.

Did my first day today, Emotions high but not as scary as anticipated.

I have to post on a board about a friend with early alzheimers, so please do not have a go

~Chameleon~

They should have discussed your needs at your DSA assessment, assuming you've already had one. If not, then this is a consideration they should make for you.

SlimmingSusan

Have had an email with the letter they are sending, to say have been approved for DSA. That in itself causes anxiety. It is MH problems. I always strive to improve my mood, but my history is that I become overwhelmed and breakdown.

I do not recognise the word, even though was in ESA support group wihout assessment, then aarded DSA.

I really don't think I realise how bad I am

SlimmingSusan

Just wondered if anyone would be kind enough to advise how I should approach my DSA award? My support worker will be here on Tuesday, and he will have more idea, but am worrying about it.

I have completed 2nd proper week, and done a formative essay to be marked as a starting point for feedback, but really ddn't realise how bad my concentration and focus is, of course DSA cannot help with that.

I am starting to panic about going already.

SlimmingSusan

Am I being a nuisance? I suffer from mental health problems, but on my threads people are not replying, is it that I am repeating and not taking in information?

duchy

Just have your meeting ......if the support worker is from the university then they will be aware what resources are available and how the DSA can be used to access them ...if they aren't go to student services and ask who is the best person to speak to about disability provision. The SU may also be able to advise ...or you could go see them both before your meeting so you already have the info and have had a chance to think about it.

As for the focusing and concentration-that's common with most mature students.
My uni runs workshops on a range of study skills (I'm at Kent) some specifically for mature and part-time students. See if yours does something similar and sign up for them all.....it'll be useful and also a good way to meet people.

There's a wealth of help out there -often the hardest part is finding out what IS available .....so you know what to ask for.

So you've survived week one ...how was it ?

Erinnire

How have you been getting on?

I start my first lecture today after Freshers week last week. I am still waiting on approval from DSA after 2 rejections (Don't think I can cope with another!) I do qualify but apparently my evidence hasn't been correct both times. PITA.

On the plus side the uni has awarded me funding in await for the DSA approval so they are sorting me out with a mentor and lending me some equipment to start with (hopefully) they've also booked me in for the LADS testing as my current dyslexia and ADHD evidence isn't acceptable for DSA and they forward the screening results on afterwards so the award can be readjusted.

Anxiety is high at the moment as the timetables are all over the place and no one in my 'school' knows what tutorial or seminar groups we are in! It's headless chickens at the moment.

Hope you are enjoying it despite the anxiety!

SlimmingSusan

Am quite nervous about the advice I have been given.

My MH and recovery Support worker is advising me to keep my ESA payments to one side as the PIP process is delayrd.Is this proper advice?

I have been advised to continue to recieve my ESA (suypport group) payments, and keep them to one side, as the pip descisions are delayed.

The advisor is from my local NHS MH team, have also been given one under DSA, but am getting stressed about a pip descision