I can't get a job because I live in the middle of nowhere and don't drive. No gym or any reason to go outside when living here. I want to move out but people won't allow me to rent anywhere without having a job. I have enough savings to pay for rent but that doesn't matter to them. So I'm losing money being in a place I hate. Also hate my family and this country.
I was in this position but worse. This is how i got out.
You can make a request for a needs assessment from your local authority however you will need some sort of evidence that you have mental health issues and autism. The evidence can be a doctors letter or a formal diagnosis.
When the need assessment is carried out they may offer you assistance to move out, Help getting on the housing register, Help setting up bills and help you with getting with crucial appliances mike washing machine and a cooker. Doing it this way makes you a priority and puts you at the top of the waiting list which is on average six year wait for those waiting. but you will be given prioty which from my experience can take a couple of months.
During the needs assessment you need to explain the situation of being limited by lack of transportation and family relationship breakdown and how its affecting your physical and mental health. once you have be assisted to move out they'll then offer you assistance because a adult social worker will formulate health and care plan. that will give you access to early intervention and help which is a division of adult social services who recently have been creating employment teams to assist people with additional needs like autism, Adhd and mental health access employment.
I highly would recommended that you avoid organisations like The Shaw trust as they do not help, they pressure you into unattainable short term employment. You will end up at square one financial worse of because the scheme/organization doesn't work. and if you sign up with them it prevents you from accessing other schemes like employment kickstart project.
Secondly i would go a contact organisations like citizens advice or equal lives to see if they can help you apply for additional benefits and to look if your on the right amount amount or right version of universal credit. If you struggle with working you may need to look into universal credit with the limited capability to work element which can double the amount you get from benefits and relieves you of pressures of looking for work 30 hours a week and go at your pace or forget about working for the time being and recover from mental health difficulties. You may also be entitled to PIP but it difficult without help. which shouldn't affect your other benefits but may require you to use it to pay for support worker or a cleaner.
You will never be able to afford private rent as typical housing benefit will only pay up to £350 in rent a month and £100 in additional to the maintenance if you live in a block of flats. and that varies in different places across the UK.
If you have gotten to the stage of looking at flats with the council or housing association do not accept the a flat if you do not think you can't make it work. for example you notice damp, its on the top floor and you happen to have mobility problem and most importantly is too farm from a public transport to more than one location.Or the location has limited public transport that operates under a 10 hour window. You'll ideally want bus route with access to a city and few towns if learning to drive is too expensive or not an option.
Hello NAS77388,
I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling to find a job and are feeling depressed. Thank you for sharing this with the us.
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer direct support to people who are searching for work. However, here are some resources which may help:
Firstly, our ‘Finding Work’ handbook aims to support autistic job seekers to find work. This digital workbook is designed to help autistic adults prepare themselves for employment. Topics include understanding autism better, choosing a suitable role, applying for roles, preparing for and getting through interviews, finding work experience, working on communication and social skills, managing anxiety and preparing for the workplace. It can be downloaded for free here: https://www.autism.org.uk/shop/products/books-and-resources/finding-work-interactive-ebook
We have also made available a free online learning module designed to help autistic job seekers entering the job market in understanding their strengths and what next steps they could take towards gaining meaningful employment or work:
https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/professional-development/training-and-conferences/employment/finding-employment
Additionally, it could be worthwhile looking at the Evenbreak website for listed job vacancies (http://www.evenbreak.co.uk/). Even break matches disabled job seekers with employers looking to build a diverse workforce.
The British Association of Supported Employment, who have a database of supported employment agencies, so you can search for one in your local area: www.base-uk.org
Remploy, an organisation which supports people with disabilities and those experiencing complex barriers to work, into mainstream employment: www.remploy.co.uk
I have also included a link to our job-page:
https://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/work-for-us
Finally, you can find more information about seeking a job, and about your rights in work here:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment
If you feel that you might need some support with your mental health, you can find advice and information on how to go about seeking help, including links to other resources and details of helplines and listening support services, here: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/seeking-help.
All the very best,
ChloeMod
I was in that hamster wheel, before. However, it took the past eighteen years of growing up and realisation to see that it was a case of mindset.
From my estimation, conventional work isn't for us. They're trying to push forward an unwelcome agenda in the Workplace. Perhaps Podcasting would be a better outlet.
Anyway, the first step is to learn to drive. Whenever I was your age, I hadn't passed the driving test. Like yourself, I thought that the World was against me. But I taught myself how to drive; I passed the driving test, aged 28. Now, I'm handling the roads as well as possible.
Have you got a trusted relative who can supervise you; while you drive? You would save a fortune without driving instructors. Plus, it might build up your confidence better. Whenever I had instructors, to begin with, I was none the wiser.
Anyway, don't give up until the miracle happens.
