Volunteering

Amazonianup

Hi all.

I would like to try volunteering as I'm not well at the moment and would have trouble with certain jobs and sustaining employment. I am worried due to previous discrimination direct and indirect in my past this might effect my benefit process. I'm on basic uc and applied for lcwra. I'm not looking for anything much, I'm finding it hard enough and neglecting myself currently anyway. I just like to be in the open air, it might help me mentally. What do you think of experience? Is it worth it? I'd be looking for a few hrs.

Tori_Scope

Hi @amazonianup My understanding is that you should be able to volunteer while on UC, including LCWRA. I believe it'd only possibly be an issue if the volunteering you're doing contradicts the basis of your LCWRA claim, if that makes sense.

What kind of volunteering are you looking at doing, just out of interest?

Amazonianup

Ideally animals. I spoke with uc. we agreed somewhere to apply. I'm worried because she seems to think my symptoms relate to her past symptoms. As in my daily difficulties. I'm also sure my at times crippling depression and anxiety can't be fixed with lavender oil as suggested. I try techniques to reduce overthinking before bed. But I still need sleeping tablets when required and even these in short durations don't work I can wake up 3 in morning but I prefer those rather than to self  medicate with alcohol. I don't think lavender oil she suggested is gonna stop me thinking about past events and feeling angry sad etc then my ears can even start to become hot. Pains in body I can feel my heart racing I'm alert and little noises still wake me. It's like I'm in survival mode all the time.

I think my symptoms are much worse than being represented. I think long stresses of anguish and physical pain have given me unmanageable symptoms and if been used to overcompensating. I learned no one was going to help me or save me. I have asked Drs for a mental health referral. I think because I try to help myself they don't realise the problems I have. I think if I was a women I would be treated differently as men are often expected to suffer in silence.

Tori_Scope

I can imagine it would feel a bit worrying for her to be comparing her own health to yours, as we're all different @Amazonianup. She may just be trying to find a way to relate to you, perhaps? 

How are you feeling about the application?

What are your favourite animals to be around?

Amazonianup

I applied to volunteer, but I still have my current health problems. I don't know if I will hear anything back. I can't really afford to travel. I was thinking I care for smaller creatures at home. I also wouldn't be able to afford to feed them so it's unlikely they will choose me to volunteer. I can only offer my time and care. I think this would also help force me into a routine.

L_Volunteer

Well done with your application to volunteer @Amazonianup. Though I can hear you still have your current health problems.

How are you feeling about your application to volunteer at the moment? I hope you will hear back, I am wishing you the best of luck with this. 

I can hear that you can't really afford to travel. Sometimes, if travel is within a reasonable distance, travel is paid for volunteers. It might be worth speaking to the people you would be volunteering for about this.

Time and care are really important assets you have. You are more valuable than you realise. I can hear how it would also support you with a routine. 

If a routine is important to you, is there anything you can do to build yourself a routine whilst waiting to hear about volunteering opportunities?

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything else to support you. We are all here for you and listening to you