Long term ESA seeking DEA help without pressure (informal)

PoorSowl

Hello there

I have been on ESA for many years and have been in the work related group for a few years also, although I have only ever had the one meeting with them which was never followed up for some reason.  Many years ago, prior to a long period of employment which predates my current situation I received significant help from a Job Centre Disability Emplyment Advisor (late 90s/early 2000s).  I currently receive no support when it comes to looking for work.  This suits me in part because I am still in the process of recovery from long term mental health issues, but at the same time I am wondering whether seeking engagement with a DEA may help with regards to at least looking at my future options as they (if they still exist and if they also perform the same role) may help where I may struggle by myself e.g. facilitating work placements or advising of available support.  It may also help with getting a foot in the door in some work environments, especially considering that I have been out of work for over a decade. 

My first question is whether DEAs still exist and whether they still provide support without commitment (this is very important for me), and secondly, whether my reaching out for help like this will signal a review of my circumstances and that I may incur a new work questionnaire/interview and active pressure which would be completely counterproductive to all concerned.

I should add that I live in Scotland in case there are differences within the U.K..

Many thanks for any information/experience anyone has with this.

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @PoorSowl Thank you for joining!

I don't have any personal experience of this, unfortunately. I've tagged your post as 'unanswered' so that other members can see you haven't had an answer to your query yet. 

Is this page on the Fair Start scheme the kind of thing you were looking for?

Wibbles

PoorSowl said:

Hello there

I have been on ESA for many years and have been in the work related group for a few years also, although I have only ever had the one meeting with them which was never followed up for some reason.  Many years ago, prior to a long period of employment which predates my current situation I received significant help from a Job Centre Disability Emplyment Advisor (late 90s/early 2000s).  I currently receive no support when it comes to looking for work.  This suits me in part because I am still in the process of recovery from long term mental health issues, but at the same time I am wondering whether seeking engagement with a DEA may help with regards to at least looking at my future options as they (if they still exist and if they also perform the same role) may help where I may struggle by myself e.g. facilitating work placements or advising of available support.  It may also help with getting a foot in the door in some work environments, especially considering that I have been out of work for over a decade. 

My first question is whether DEAs still exist and whether they still provide support without commitment (this is very important for me), and secondly, whether my reaching out for help like this will signal a review of my circumstances and that I may incur a new work questionnaire/interview and active pressure which would be completely counterproductive to all concerned.

I should add that I live in Scotland in case there are differences within the U.K..

Many thanks for any information/experience anyone has with this.

They are called work coaches nowadays
https://www.jobcentreguide.co.uk/jobcentre-plus-guide/34/about-disability-employment-advisors 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @PoorSowl

I saw above that Wibbles commented with a link with information about DEA's now being called Work Coaches. Just wanted to comment to see how you've gotten on? Were you able to get in touch with someone?

Hope you are keeping well. 

PoorSowl

@Hannah_Scope

Thank you for asking after me.  I actually called in to my local job centre to enquire.  It turns out that Disability Employment Advisors are still available although I've as yet to make an appointment with one.

Tori_Scope

That's good @poorsowl Do you think you'll make an appointment with them?