For context, I'm currently in receipt of PIP and UC. I'm autistic, ADHD, epileptic and asthmatic as well as having physical injuries that make it a little more difficult for me to get around. I can still walk without an aide, but not for very long. Heavy lifting can also be an issue. The issues aren't with my arms, they're with my lower back and my legs.
I live alone and feel socially isolated. I'm considering combating that by taking on some volunteer work for a few reasons. 1, it will help with the social isolation. 2, the flexibility and accommodations that can be made are what will allow me to even potentially do it and I wouldn't get anywhere near as much with full time work.
The issue arises with which organisation I'm considering and what I would be doing while volunteering. Not necessarily the organisation themselves or the work they do, St John Ambulance does fantastic work in the community and I have a lot of respect for the organisation and the volunteers. But it's more how the DWP will take it. I'd be interacting with a lot of different people, which would clash with the autism especially and to some extent the ADHD. Then there's the stress that would come from being responsible for someone's care, which may affect the epilepsy although my seizures more than likely wouldn't happen while volunteering. Then there's being on my feet a lot and moving around if on patrol, which may affect the asthma and physical limitations.
Can I mask for an entire 4-5 hour shift? Yes. Is it exhausting? Yes. Could I handle being on my feet for that long? I'd manage, but I couldn't do it day in day out. I would have to take a day or two to recover each time, especially if my epilepsy starts kicking off. The possibility of being able to take a small break if I get overwhelmed or even leave a shift early if necessary also helps. The flexibility provided by volunteering would allow me to do this. Could I possibly find a quieter place to volunteer? Absolutely, but it wouldn't interest me as much. I want to be out there, doing some good while the world is dead set on tearing itself apart. I don't wanna sit in an office somewhere, I want to actually be doing more than packing and storing equipment. But I'm concerned that the DWP will take it as me being ready for full time work when I'm far from ready and potentially never will be.
How do I navigate the potential review if that comes along to show the DWP that the only reason I'm even able to do any of it because of the accommodations and flexibility that volunteering provides? I know I can write everything from how difficult days were and how long it would take me to recover from a 4-5 hour shift and that I could get a unit manager within SJA to write a letter showing the accommodations they're making and how frequently I do the volunteering, but is there anything else that I can do to prevent less financial stability?
(In case anyone asks why SJA, the structure would be good for me. Helping people when they need it most is also a benefit. Allows me to give back in a way.)
