Hi, my name is ace50!

ace50

I have severe mental health problems and bowel problems and arthritis iv just received a letter asking me to go job centre to meet my work coach I’m 51 years old and I’m in a really bad state over this what can I do 

L_Volunteer

Hey @ace50. A warm welcome from me. It is great to see you have joined us. Thanks also for finding the courage to reach out to us. I always appreciate the courage it takes to reach out.

You have mentioned being in a really bad state over this. Is there anything, in particular, that is causing you to feel concerned about going to the job centre to meet your work coach at the moment?

I just want to make sure we hear you as clearly as we can. This will allow us to provide you with the most appropriate support possible. I recognise that whilst there are often similarities, there are also differences and unique circumstances 

ace50

Hi nice to meet you 🙂 thank you for getting to me 😊 Because of my mental health and bowel problems and arthritis my knees keeps giving away I find it difficult to even get out of bed and theirs days I don’t want to be here anymore because of my mental health I suffer with ptsd/personality disorder anxiety and depression I struggle everyday like most people and I know I’m not going to be to cope like I’m not now and they won’t understand 😞.

L_Volunteer

Lovely to meet you too @ace50. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful response. We all really appreciate it and it contributes to making this the supportive and friendly space it is.

That sounds really difficult. Do you feel comfortable asking them if they would consider phone calls rather than having to see them in person?

I am just thinking this might help, especially physically. In terms of struggling with your mental health, is there anything that usually helps?

I recognise this is still a difficult situation to be in and doesn't necessarily reduce the additional demands on your mental health.

Have you been able to talk to medical professionals about how you are doing? I wonder if there's something they can do to support you through this.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything else to support you, even if that's just extending a listening ear 

ace50

hi yes I’m under the mental health but they cannot provide me with a support worker as they do not have the provisions, so it’s difficult really. 2018 I have thyroid cancer and late 2019 breast cancer so I had all that to deal with as well. I’m going to ring Suffolk IDT and Drs in the morning and see if they can suggest anything. Thank you for your support 😊.

L_Volunteer

So sorry to hear this @ace50. Cancer sounds difficult, let alone two lots of cancer 

I hope you find some answers by ringing Suffolk IDT and Drs in the morning. Please feel free to let us know how this goes and if we can provide any further support 

ace50

Thank you so much 😊 

L_Volunteer

How did calling them go for you @ace50? Thinking of you, please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything we can do to support you 

ace50

Hi and thank you 😊

Aznarder

All the very best & make sure you get a GP who is completely in the know & on your side. They can stop this meeting being demanded of you x

ace50

I am going to make an appointment with the Dr or try and make appointment but I got a call from DWP saying it’s been put back till 29th March because of strikes which has made it even worse for me and my anxiety and my mental health even though it is now a telephone appointment.