My choices

EDW

Hi. I was in an acute mental health ward for 12 weeks last autumn. I have schizophrenia and psychosis. I had an appointment with a careers advisor on Friday. I have chosen a career in animal care. I am waiting for a job centre interview in the next couple of weeks which is work focused. I'm really anxious as I need to study gcse maths and excel online. I also want to study a level 3 in animal care online which is 2 hours a week for 12 months. What do I say to the job centre advisor as I'm still.under the recovery team and I'm not able to work more than 16 hours without burning out.

poppy123456

Is it Universal Credit you're claiming? If so have you reported your health condition, supported by a fit note? This will then start the work capability assessment process off. (providing you're not earning more than 16xNMW/week, unless you're claiming either DLA/PIP or ADP https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition

WhatThe

Hi EDW, I think JCP will be pretty impressed that you're already taking steps to improve your job prospects and manage your MH. The initial appointment is likely to be an administrative exercise but you can ask how frequently you will be expected to attend work-focused interviews (WFI's).  

You can request additional support from them to write your CV and have reasonable adjustments put in place for your MH conditions. If you have a current 'fit note' (Med 3) then take it with you in case the agent can't find it on their system. 

Rosie_Scope

Hi @EDW, welcome to the community. Looks like you're already getting some advice, but I just wanted to say hello and welcome

Your animal care course sounds so interesting, and as WhatThe says, it should come across well that you're studying and thinking about your next steps. I hope you get on okay at your appointment!

EDW

Thankyou Rosie, I saw my mental health team support worker this afternoon, she is going to let the job centre know that volunteering part time is the way forward for me at the moment as i am still receiving recovery sessions under the team at the moment, ive found a 3 hour volunteer role local today animal orientated which if i get it will send me in the right direction career wise as i want to work with animal as a career change in the future.