I need advice

HeavyMetalAlien
HeavyMetalAlien Online Community Member Posts: 6 Connected

I don't know if this is the right place, so forgive me if it isn't. Before becoming disabled I used to do martial arts, I've been bullied, dismissed, ignored and undermined my whole life and martial arts was the only thing that gave me any confidence, self esteem and feeling that I wasn't vulnerable anymore. Ive been disabled since 2023 and I constantly feel the need to fight. Not verbally, but physically fight, I've never been in one and now im in a wheelchair it feels like i missed out on an opportunity or rite of passage. I know it sounds dumb, but it's how I feel. Things to do with fighting like video games, anime and other media set me off on a depressive episode. I can't stop thinking about it. I want to do wheelchair boxing as I think it would help greatly, but im unsure of signing up as im on Universal Credit and can't actively work. I don't want them to turn around and say "if you can do boxing, you can get a job", as obviously its not the same. I don't know what to do, this is eating away at me.

Comments

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,799 Championing

    Hi,

    As boxing would require upper arm strength, I assume you were awarded UC LWCRA based on another task. Therefore there wouldn't be any contradiction with the reason that you were awarded LCWRA if you started wheelchair boxing.

    I have a similar theme as I used to be heavily involved with cars until I lost the ability to drive. Even 5 years later it seems like I'm still constantly being reminded of cars and driving which does make me feel more depressed. Even if I could drive just to the local shop it would make a huge difference to my quality of life. Ultimately that's more important than what the DWP thinks!

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 4,220 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @HeavyMetalAlien

    Taking part in physical activities or sports doesn't necessarily imply that you are able to work. Especially, if as OverlyAnxious mentioned above it doesn't contradict the reason you were awarded LCWRA in the first place😊

  • HeavyMetalAlien
    HeavyMetalAlien Online Community Member Posts: 6 Connected

    Unfortunately they've put me in the 'work preparation' group. Im trying to move group, but they are not in any hurry.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,799 Championing

    You can't let the DWP rule your life. Do whatever you want to do. If you fit the LCWRA descriptors then you'll be placed in the LCWRA group after reassessment regardless of any hobbies.

  • HeavyMetalAlien
    HeavyMetalAlien Online Community Member Posts: 6 Connected

    Thank you, im going to contact some boxing gyms and see if they will train me.

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 4,220 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Please let us know how you get on @HeavyMetalAlien if you feel comfortable too