Struggling to work full time and live independently

Hi Cherri,

Firstly well done on working full time, and for living independently in your own place. I so do understand how much of a struggle it can be, to manage work with CP and enormous extra effort that is required to do everything.

Yes, at times we have to take a good look at things and see how we can make everything a little easier for ourselves so that we can carry on to live as independently as possible and have enough energy to do the things that are important to us like work and socializing.

Speedincasers suggestion of asking for an OT assessment is a good one, in the area where I live you can just phone a special number and request an assessment.

You maybe able to get an OT to agree to some extra help, like employing an enabler, let them know how important it is for you to continue working, yet when you get home you are just too tired to carry out certain tasks.

An OT's report can also go towards the evidence required to support your case to your local council for finding you suitable accommodation. Its great that your GP has written a letter stating you have an urgent need for ground floor accommodation.

The council have a duty and responsibility to help vulnerable people find suitable accommodation, and yes there maybe a long waiting list, but do not be put off by the council telling you this, they like saying no a few times!

Are you on the housing list? Have they given you a banding?

It's worth understanding a few things about how the council work and allocate homes to people.

Everything is based on "Risk" the higher the risk, the greater the priority. With urgent priority banding it is possible get housed in 3 months.

So in your case, the following may come into play,

Risk of falls and injury due to stairs etc
Risk of social isolation
Risk of unemployment
Risk to mental Health

The council use the the evidence they have available at the time to determine what priority they will give you, this normally takes the form of doctors reports etc.

It is also possible to appeal any banding decision,

My advice is keep sending them the evidence, and calling them to ensure they have it, make yourself and your situation as known as possible to them. All councils have to have a housing officer on duty every day, so it doesn't hurt to turn up in person so they fully understand the risks of them doing nothing.

If you are anything like me with your CP, you probably very dependent on a good nights sleep to allow you to function in the day. It is possibly worth ensuring that your OT and GP add to their report that you require somewhere quiet to allow you rest, and a bungalow would be more suitable for your health needs. As sometimes downstairs flats can be very noisy due to poor construction and neighbors above.

The charity organisation Shelter also have a wealth of information on their website and a very helpful helpline that is worth calling.

Hope the above is of some help, and I wish you all the very best, well done seeking out advice - don't give up - We are here to help.


Kind regards


Noah

Its great you are employed by the NHS, a respected employer, that has to ensure everything is done correctly and by the book.

Part time hours doesn't seem to me, to be an unreasonable request, on health grounds.

Maybe speaking to an employment adviser would be helpful? I imagine there are other job opportunities within the NHS?

On the subject of housing, it is worth letting the council know that you have been severed with notice, and any other relevant evidence, as this may effect your current housing priority.

Also remember that even though you maybe able to afford renting in the private sector, it is often not possible to get more than a short term tenancy. Having a more permanent tenancy that is possible from social housing may help your health as you won't have to worry about possibly being served notice again.

The council has a responsibility is to help people find adequate, suitable housing, they will have access to information of possible properties that are available within the private sector to. Finding accessible accommodation that meets an individuals needs, can be a real challenge.

Please keep us posted how you get on,

Kind regards


Noah

Hi cherri,
It sounds like your employer is not being very flexible!
Have you tried to discuss job sharing, maybe with one of the new parents who also wanted to go part-time?
Your employer has obviously made the decision that any changes to full-time work are not 'reasonable' due to the nature of the business and unfortunately the only person who could challenge that would be a judge if you decided to take them to tribunal. It feels like if your employer can survive you taking as much sick leave as you need then they should be able to cover part time hours however it’s always a difficult call when it comes down to what’s ‘reasonable’. If you want to talk to an expert in these matters then contact ACAS (http://www.acas.org.uk/). They will be able to take you through your rights as a disabled employee.
I know someone further up suggested Access to Work and I also think this would be worthwhile pursuing. It’s you as the employee who had to contact them so you don’t need your work to be able to follow this up.
Good luck with it all!
Vicky xx