I have moderately severe mental health issues, where can I find someone to help me get into work?

[splatfrog]

I need help to get a job. I want and need to get a reliable income but I have massive panic attacks about this. Where can I find someone kind who will help me through the process? I feel like I could do it if I had someone to hold my hand so to speak.

A job doing what?

In the nicest possible way, if you have problems in coping how will you manage in a work environment where you most likely encounter all kinds of things that may cause you stress?

What are your issues?
Start with work ideas that would suit your abilities and you could sustain, then approach people and companies.

I've no idea what to do, whatever I can get I suppose, I won't have a choice. Something entry level. I need an income.

I'd like to work with people but not something fast paced like a coffee shop, I need something slower.

I'm a practical hands-on person.

Office cleaner might appeal as you would know exactly what to do but be able to do it without the stress of other people around you.

What sort of situations give you panic attacks? You want to avoid jobs where those situations come up.

Maybe this charity can help?

www.mind.org.uk

What gives me the panic is the job of finding a job and the first week. After that I feel I'd be fine.

My local primary care mental health service have their own employment support service that do exactly this, refer yourself to your local IAPT and see if they do the same?

National careers service

I'll take a look at those two, thanks

Good luck op

There are some charities that help with this, places like

www.aod.org.uk/employment-services/

hive.evenbreak.co.uk/

They have advice and career coaches or employability advisors and employers who work with them may be more open to having a conversation about how they can accommodate your needs in work.

Good luck

You might have already thought of/tried this, but what about volunteering in something like a charity shop?

Some will be more supportive than others, but if you have a friend to help you 'screen' possibilities you might find one that is friendly and understanding, and you can do behind the scenes or in the shop tasks without the pressure of having to perform in the way you would in a paid job.

Many years ago I was a job coach for adults with learning disabilities, one woman I supported was great at ironing which was much appreciated by the rest of the team!

I know my local job centre had quite a few schemes running to get different types of people in work. They also advised people how to budget etc etc. U don't suppose these schemes are running now but maybe a trip to the Jo b centre (make an appointment). But first, as others say, work jut what you think you could do and what you definitely can't.

I am sure they are eager to get people in work?

How about picking for online orders in a supermarket? Think it could be quite fast paced but could opt for night time hours so at least it will be quiet and you can just get on with it. Probably be a lot of jobs going this time of year

Do you have any friends that could provide a virtual handhold, i.e. agree to message you at the start/end of every shift for the first week just saying "good luck/well done!"

Plus you can be your own cheerleader -once you've finished each work day type a message in your notes on phone or write in a diary things that have gone well, things you learned to do, things you want to double check etc. Treat yourself to a little reward like a bar of chocolate, long bath, walk in a favourite place etc.

Posters on here can be really supportive, if you post saying you're starting a new job and are nervous, you'll probably get a few nice replies by your lunch break!.

How is that 'in the nicest possible way'? Maybe you should keep your mouth shut - OP is asking for support, that's how they will manage. How is your comment here helpful other than to put OP down?

Having mental health issues (or any other disability) doesn't mean you can't work, you just need to find the right support and environment.

OP how old are you? If you are under 30 there might be support available through Prince's Trust or other charities/ organisations that support young people to get into work. You could also try the job centre as they often have connections with organisations who might be able to mentor/ support you. Good luck.

Access to Work Mental Health Support Service can help once you have a job to provide any support you need to manage at work. atw.maximusuk.co.uk/gethelptoday

Mental health teams will often have employment advisers focused on getting back into work.