Disabled and looking for employment/education

[Takealeafoutofyourownbook]

Long story short.
26 (27 this year) been out of work for 5/6 years, diagnosed at the age of 20/21 with degenerate disc disease, osteoarthritis (hereditary).
Wanted to join the army young but couldn't due to medical reasons (as stated above).
Since being diagnosed I have had numerous surgeries and I'm on morphine and various other pain killing and anti depressants.
I really really want to go back to work or start some sort of education... thing is I can only walk so far, stand for so long, sit for so long and the medications have quite severe side effects, I also struggle sometimes to get out of bed in the morning and some nights hardly get no sleep at all due to anxiety and pain.
I'm fed up of being at home, I am young and pine for a career. I am also still grieving over my armed forces career which I dedicated my older teen/early twenties to.
What options do I have please?
Someone shed some light on my life for me :(

[languagelearner]

You could for example study maths and get a career with GCHQ ... or go and work with Stephen Hawkin's team.

Anyway, that aside, I once read about someone who was a professor in some subject, I don't remember exactly what, but she had arthritis, and had had a successful career as a researcher, she could decide for herself when to work, and which days not to.

Look for something like this, perhaps. Since I'm Swedish (I hang around on here merely for language practice as is apparent from my username) this means I'm only familiar with Swedish educational programmes. This link is in English though, it's an international three-year program. I'm somewhat familiar with the university, you can get around the entire campus in a wheelchair if need be, it's been designed that way.
lnu.se/en/programme/applied-mathematics-programme/
If you were to be there, and suddenly miss the pulse of a big city, you easily go by train to Copenhagen, or simply fly over to London. It might be worthwhile for you to calculate on the fees involved. You might be surprised, as Brexit has not yet happened.

[LIZS]

What level of education do you currently have ? Employers and educational establishments have to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate disability.

[thesandwich]

Have a look at future learn free on line learning to get you going- contact your local college/ uni. Good luck.

[Takealeafoutofyourownbook]

Thank you so very much for your responses! Really appreciate them, all advice taken onboard 👍
Level of education? Not a great lot unfortunately :( some BTEC certificates from studying Uniformed public services at college, no GCSE's (left school due to anxiety)

[languagelearner]

Maybe you can find out how, in what way, you can replace the GCSE if you need them for further education. You only need to take the minimal number of classes and topics needed to access the further education you want. Maybe someone can fill in with more useful details here ......

[LIZS]

Priority would be to take English and maths gcse or level 2 equivalent. These courses are free to those who have not previously passed them. Try your local fe college or ask them for if they offer community based classes or can suggest a government funded distance learning provider for it. You should be eligible for practical support at college but if you claim pip you can use that towards other courses and travel etc.

Futurelearn and open learn are great for bitesized online courses as the tasters to see what subjects you might enjoy and the level expected. They range from practical workplace skills, science to culture.

If you can find a voluntary opportunity that may also help you determine what type of work environment and demand could suit you. There may be a local volunteer bureau nearby, with suggestions from helping with one off fundraising events to longer term support or befriending roles. Also a good way to acquire new skills such as customer service and IT.

[Takealeafoutofyourownbook]

Thank you very much for your replies, once again MASSIVELY appreciated ❤

My passion and heart lies with animals, so I was thinking something to do with animals 😍

LIZS I do claim PIP, can you explain how I would use this in some way please?

Thank you all again 💐

[LIZS]

Towards transport or equipment to make you more comfortable? Do you have a support worker who could assist. Are there any animal rescue centres or local wildlife charities you could volunteer with?

[thesandwich]

Also have a look at volunteering via do- it website who may gave some animal stuff- one way into work.

[languagelearner]

You might benefit from following this other mumsnet thread, about starting education at 28. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/2828948-to-start-a-degree-at-28?

[DianaT1969]

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck and to second that it would probably feel very worthwhile and rewarding to set yourself a goal of studying and passing GCSE Maths, English and any other subjects you are interested in now - before you get back into work. It isn't the armed forces, but would anything in the police force suit? It would perhaps be worth getting in touch with the local force's HR department and spell out your needs whilst asking about suitable voluntary or paid positions.

[Takealeafoutofyourownbook]

"Towards transport or equipment to make you more comfortable? Do you have a support worker who could assist. Are there any animal rescue centres or local wildlife charities you could volunteer with?"
I do currently own a mobility car and I am a little worried they may take that away when I shave education/volunteer work :( I desperately need it for mobility purposes. I don't have a support worker, maybe I should look into finding myself one. I don't know if there are any local, I'm very scared of applying in case they reject me and call me a liability.

thesandwich I will definitely have a look through that website thank you so so much! 😁

languagelearner had a read, thank you very much for that interesting link 😊

DianaT1969 I've noticed people keep mentioning GCSE Maths and English, is this a must have nowadays? I was also unsure about the police due to my back but I will definitely have a read about our GMP, thank you very much for your advice ❤💐

[LIZS]

Yes gcse English and Maths are the minimum employers expect. Some higher level courses may accept you if you undertook those , or equivalent , alongside. I don't think your car is necessarily at risk, if you claim benefits such as pip, dla or esa there should be an advisor you could speak to. Is there a support charity for your condition who could advise?

Googling should throw up possible places to volunteer, or try "volunteer bureau in x" or via the do-it website.

[Mehfruittea]

I'm disabled and trying to hold down a job. Whilst not quite successful I'm happy to share what I have learnt.

PIP cannot be taken away if you choose to sturdy/work. It is a non-mapeans tested benefit. Having PIP acts a a gateway to other potential help based on your circumstances. You could get additional funding for some courses and study. Not widely advertised, colleges and universities should have a disabled student advisor who can help you work out what help is available.

Getting a job is really hard and I would honestly advise to hide your disability during the interview process if you can. Once employed, you can ask for adjustments to be made and they will normally be paid for by Access to Work.

Choosing your career - choose wisely. Something to do with animals? Sounds nice but quite physically demanding. A vet is stood up most of the day, vet assistance do the washing out of cages etc and generally moving around a lot.

Think about something that you could eventually do self employed, so that you can choose when to start working from home when you need to or dropping a day etc. Counselling is one career that tends to attract people with long term health conditions for this reason.

What could be done online from home with little contact in to the office? Accountancy (after training and internship period) Graphic design? I just can't think of anything animal related that would be less physically intense.

I really hope it goes well for you, feel free to PM me if you want to chat.

[LIZS]

This an example of a project working with a local volunteer bureau to support people such as yourself into volunteering roles and eventually paid work. vamidsurrey.org/aspire/ Maybe similar exists in your area?