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Original poster

Access to work for self employed? Any advise/tips or discussions about what's reasonable

31 replies

KatyMac · 15/08/2023 07:42

I'm self employed - most of the time I work from home sometimes I cant/don't

I'm disabled, I struggle with walking, standing, carrying and moving things - I have large amounts of pain and I find it hard to find safe food and drink to eat when I'm away from home

I have done huge things to make my job easier for me and I drive an automatic as I can't manage the leg movements for a clutch

I make clothes and go to events to sell them, I run workshops at these events and I talk about sustainability

But I can no longer do the set up and pack down at these events, and I'm starting to struggle with the driving and I spend days after the events in bed because I've used all my spoons up

Would access to work help me in some way or would they just expect me to give up and get an easier job?

If I do claim what sort of things would it be reasonable to ask for help with?

Thanks x

OP posts:
Eglatina · 15/08/2023 07:53

Really sorry to read your post. It's horrible when you begin to feel you can't do what you once could. I'd like to think Access to Work would help you continue what you're doing as far as reasonably possible, but I don't know enough to say that with any certainty and understand your concern. Are there any charities which support the diagnosis that you have? They might be a good place to ask. Any support groups for people with similar disabilities? Even Citizens Advice might be able to answer some of your questions. Good luck Flowers

Thelonelygiraffe · 15/08/2023 08:50

Selling online via Etsy etc rather than in person? Presentations by Zoom? Asking a friend or family member to drive you or to help you set up and take down?

Original poster
KatyMac · 15/08/2023 09:00

Thanks @Eglatina I am looking for a disability advisor - it's frustrating and as each event goes by I adjust my working practise but it never gets any easier

@Thelonelygiraffe I can but I enjoy (most) of what I do - it fits well with the events I am fulfilled; just knackered and in pain!
There is a limit at how much family and friends can help - this is my proper job not a side hustle- if I dont work we will struggle to eat/live

I could give up claim benefits and sit watching TV...but I'd really rather not!!

OP posts:
Hoppinggreen · 15/08/2023 09:04

Sounds very difficult and hopefully there is some help available but given the circumstances I am not sure what anyone can do. It sounds like you need an extra person to do the physical things but the business can’t support that.
I think like any job if you just aren’t physically capable of it any more then you will have to consider other options unfortunately

ReturnfromtheStars · 15/08/2023 09:30

I would second trying to do more online, you could start with a few short free tutorials and build up to paid online workshops and on to one tutoring, would you enjoy that? Would it pay the bills?
You may be able to start this in parallel and advertise at the events you go to.
This way you can make your services available to others with disability too who wouldn't be able to attend the events.

elsiemarleysellsthebarley · 15/08/2023 09:34

DH has just got a PA funded by access to work to help him in his self employed business. 8 hrs a week I think. I don’t know how he made the application etc but it seemed to happen pretty quickly.

Original poster
KatyMac · 15/08/2023 09:43

That's really interesting @elsiemarleysellsthebarley I probably wouldn't need that much (although that would be life changing!)

@ReturnfromtheStars that's really interesting too - good ideas - maybe! Setting up the it side can be tricky with different views for different areas of the workroom - we have tried but it's not a good smooth view; my son in law to be is hoping to help me over the winter get a system working that I can use

@Hoppinggreen I do get that but I'm not massively employable anymore so it's self employment or benefits at this point I think

OP posts:
DrMadelineMaxwell · 15/08/2023 09:48

A friend of mine set up and online site for people with disabilities who made and calls crafts. Maybe check out them? Consciouscrafties .com

ShinyYellowTeapot · 15/08/2023 10:43

You've nothing to lose by contacting them and finding out what's available for you. Very best of luck with it.

LadinLee · 15/08/2023 10:48

It's always worth applying, you've nothing to lose.
With Access to work It's best to be quite detailed with what you require and the costings eg need to employ a person to drive and set up once a month for 6 hours at a cost of X.
Sometimes people get a contribution towards costs but not full amount

swanling · 15/08/2023 13:20

elsiemarleysellsthebarley · 15/08/2023 09:34

DH has just got a PA funded by access to work to help him in his self employed business. 8 hrs a week I think. I don’t know how he made the application etc but it seemed to happen pretty quickly.

That's great. Is that in smaller chunks across a week or a single day? Has he managed to recruit someone?

Original poster
KatyMac · 15/08/2023 14:44

I could probably do with a couple of hours a week plus maybe 6 every other week

It might be that I can swop a wristband for help at an event but that isn't always available & I'd quite like to build up a relationship with someone rather than have randoms - but that might be inmpossible

OP posts:
elsiemarleysellsthebarley · 15/08/2023 23:42

swanling · 15/08/2023 13:20

That's great. Is that in smaller chunks across a week or a single day? Has he managed to recruit someone?

Show quote history

I think it’s up to them - for DH it’ll be flexible as and when. They started this week and had a couple of hours working together one morning and then the PA has done some more from home. Mostly DH needs help with admin/ organisation but will also use him for practical things (moving stuff about basically) as well. The guy he’s found is a friend who is also self employed (different industry) so they’re working around that as well. I asked DH about the process today and he reminded me that he’d been fast tracked (as he’s sadly terminally ill) so it was very easy and quick so I can’t help on the more usual process.

swanling · 16/08/2023 11:06

elsiemarleysellsthebarley · 15/08/2023 23:42

I think it’s up to them - for DH it’ll be flexible as and when. They started this week and had a couple of hours working together one morning and then the PA has done some more from home. Mostly DH needs help with admin/ organisation but will also use him for practical things (moving stuff about basically) as well. The guy he’s found is a friend who is also self employed (different industry) so they’re working around that as well. I asked DH about the process today and he reminded me that he’d been fast tracked (as he’s sadly terminally ill) so it was very easy and quick so I can’t help on the more usual process.

Show quote history

I'm really sorry to hear that. Thank you for taking the time to come back and answer my questions, I appreciate it.

Pushkinia · 16/08/2023 15:41

@swanling I have Access to Work funding and it’s taking about 5 months at the moment for applications to get to the telephone interview stage.

My office moved two miles away from its original building, so my taxi fare (part paid by Access to Work) went up by £2. When I finally got through to someone at AtW who understood what I needed, I was told it would take 20 weeks for a decision to be made as to whether they would accept the increase. They did accept it, but it was a worrying time!

Original poster
KatyMac · 16/08/2023 21:23

I am sorry @elsiemarleysellsthebarley thanks for taking the time to explain how he has been helped

5 month would mean help for next season; I have begged and borrowed to finish this season off

I cant manage indoor events anymore at all so it would have been nice if it was sorted pre-Christmas but I understand

OP posts:
ShinyYellowTeapot · 17/08/2023 00:38

My AtW application was authorised within 2 months

WeAreAllLionesses · 17/08/2023 02:08

I was awardrd A2W resources worth over £2.5k.

Work paid £700 towards that.

Original poster
KatyMac · 17/08/2023 19:57

@ShinyYellowTeapot & @WeAreAllLionesses thanks for such positive outcomes - I hope they have really helped you

OP posts:
ShinyYellowTeapot · 17/08/2023 20:00

KatyMac · 17/08/2023 19:57

@ShinyYellowTeapot & @WeAreAllLionesses thanks for such positive outcomes - I hope they have really helped you

Thank you, it's made such a difference to my life. Really hope you get something sorted too Flowers

Eglatina · 17/08/2023 20:06

Yes good luck OP. I guess you'll just have to apply and see how you go. The only other option I can think of is if you were to partner up with another seller and go to events together. You could do some of the organising in return for help with set etc. Or start a go fund me for a PA, and although that might generate a finite pot, it might get you a PA for few years.

Eglatina · 17/08/2023 20:07

Set up* obv!

Original poster
KatyMac · 13/12/2023 15:13

Just had my phone assessment and there is no reason why not - just have to send some additional accounts and it starts on Sunday

OP posts:
Original poster
KatyMac · 12/02/2024 08:03

It's been awarded, a huge amount I couldn't possibly use but when I do use it, it will be a life saver!

They have added in some admin too which the first hour will.be sorting out the online claim system/registering etc

OP posts:
Vettrianofan · 12/02/2024 08:10

Congratulations 🎉 OP, it will be a massive difference to you and your working life. DH has just applied. He is employed and waiting on a decision.