Cutbacks to local Social work services, what thoughs and suggestions can you give?

faerielight

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles, and I imagine daily life with both autism and mental health issues must make things really difficult. I think it must very from place to place. I used to get 45 minuites morning and evening care but mine got cut recently, down to 45 mons in the even. I don't mind as I cope in the mornings, but every time I have a care review, I do get scared that it will get cut further. Do you have a disability centre in your area? They could help advocate for you, or a Mind advocate , if you have a Mind service . Direct Payments, in theory, should be available for mental health, and if you get it, you can choose how you spend your budgect. I was going to go down that route, but I have a really good care agency now that I'm happy with. Failing getting an advocate, can you ask for a CPN or a support worker from your local mental health team? Best of luck with fighting your corner for care.

tomtontom

dekaspace wrote: »

Actually I help myself a lot, if not I would of had a breakdown long ago, to say to help yourself isn't correct as everyone is different I never touch drink or drugs as I know the come down would be severe.

I need a helping hand to at least show me how I can make things better rather than just be expected to do it myself.

I don't want help to do the actual tasks just to organise my thoughs, I don't just have depression I have autism so even without depression it races all the time, I used to be a big kid even in my early 20s like jumping up and down on the spot or random yells(though not in public as was self concious) I would sing to myself and such.

I need help to get back to that state but even then had social anxiety so that would need address.

I was horrifically bullied at school, had shoulder broken, and teachers never believe me as the kids who did it were from well off families but at least then I enjoyed the little things I had.

I have heard it too many times from doctors that only I can make myself better but since I feel miserable most of the time and on a rare good day like today I feel ok but exhausted I need a helping hand to improve things so in the long run I can take care of myself better but I need help to get me there.

What you're describing is a need for psychotherapy, which does not fall under the remit of social services but your GP and the NHS. You can also self refer in some (most) areas.

Mr_Costcutter

I'm also sorry to hear about your problems and struggle to resolve your difficulties.

How about a chat with your GP, explaining how overwhelmed you are feeling. They do have a duty of care towards you and may be able to point you in the right direction.

You say that you 'feel ashamed to ask for help'. I know it's easy for me to say, but please try not to feel bad about asking for help. No man is an island, and there will always be a time when each one of us needs to ask for the help of another.

nannytone_2

i also do not think a PA is what you need.

are there any support groups in your area?

i have mild aspergers, so to a degree i know what its like to have your thoughts run riot, but routine is what makes everything work.

i have a PA because i am blind. she is aware of the aspergers ( she thinks I'm a little 'odd' ) but i manage that myself , she is there to help me with anything sight related as some things just can't be compensated for no matter how inventive i am.

talk to your GP to see if they can point you in the right direction

dekaspace

faerielight wrote: »

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles, and I imagine daily life with both autism and mental health issues must make things really difficult. I think it must very from place to place. I used to get 45 minuites morning and evening care but mine got cut recently, down to 45 mons in the even. I don't mind as I cope in the mornings, but every time I have a care review, I do get scared that it will get cut further. Do you have a disability centre in your area? They could help advocate for you, or a Mind advocate , if you have a Mind service . Direct Payments, in theory, should be available for mental health, and if you get it, you can choose how you spend your budgect. I was going to go down that route, but I have a really good care agency now that I'm happy with. Failing getting an advocate, can you ask for a CPN or a support worker from your local mental health team? Best of luck with fighting your corner for care.

I asked mind before and they said I wasn't elligable.

My social worker was a mental health one.

missbiggles1 wrote: »

A helping hand and 12 hours a week of professional care are totally different things!

It doesn't have to be constant on the clock care not does it have to be professional it just needs tobe someone to collect my thoughs for me, even if someone stayed 10 minutes a hour then came back like 2 hours later for another 10 minutes is ok, but that wouldn't be possible if someone had other clients.

And I used to get support from local charity in old area, until they also had cutbacks it was far better than the PAID support though I know the staff were paid by the charity, like they would ask me if I wanted to walk to the park, or offer me a lift to town if I said I had an appointment and even when support was cut the person came out to see me especially as he even said I needed support and was sickened my support was cut.

The only support I have in my area is 2 hours a week drop in for autistic people which is just pretty much sit around in one of 3 tiny rooms smaller than my bedoom and read, play board games or if lucky use the single computer or games console that others always play and the people that go to it have much worse autism to the point I have been a little scared before such a girl with bulging eyes who speaks loudly and is in your face(and does things like accidently tuck in her skirt to underwear), one who sings loudly etc.

I see myself as more "normal" well I am just on the borderline its that I have "normal" thoughs but "autistic" reactions like as a kid id prefer to play video games or read than go to school disco, I could be invited to a party when I first started college but wanted to read and play video games or watch a movie and eventually started getting stressed as I was losing out but never did anything.

Prudent

I am wondering if a befriender might be of help as someone to talk to, get you out and perhaps gives you pointers with personal organisation. I know someone who describes similar difficulties and gets no support from our local sw dept/council.

I read what you said about lists. I am wondering if you use a different prompt. Could you take photos of things you need to do each day and then put the photos with the tasks for each day on the fridge? Once you have done the task put the photos in a box until next week. So on a Monday you might have a photo of bathroom and one your duvet to remind you that day you clean the bathroom and wash your bedding. Once the jobs were done and the photos back in the box your mind might settle. The same could be done with a meal planner and cooking/washing up. I think at first it would be important to keep the tasks minimal.

winterstar

You say that you are afraid that you will be told that your DLA/PIP should be used to get the help that you need and I'm sorry to say that that is exactly what it is for - to pay for stuff to help you cope with your condition.