Until we sort some quick wins on this, some people who could work will feel like the mountain is too big to climb. Others will be in & out of work as they try to navigate finding an employer who understands serious mental illness; and become courageous enough to truly ask for what they need.
6/6

…at best employers accept a CV but you still need the digital skills and data to write and send your cv. Online applications can be tricky to navigate on a mobile and most people, regardless of disability don’t have their own laptop.
5/6

5. Times have changed. I know what I was taught at school about CVs is more or less null and void now. Many people, with or without a disability require support with things like application forms.

6. Employers don’t make applying easy. Application forms often require a laptop with MS word….
4/6

2. The fall off the cliff in terms
of benefits can still make people worse off.

3. People worry they will get too poorly to work again and won’t be able to get back on their benefits.

4. Employers don’t always understand mental health or ‘reasonable’ adjustments
3/6

When we opened up self-referrals for people our referrals increased dramatically.

So what stops people getting and or retaining employment:

1. Medical appts are mostly mon-fri 9-5 and despite employment laws people feel a burden asking for time off
2/6

Oh my goodness @jessparker.bsky.social just when I thought I couldn’t love you more you bring this out the bag!!!!

Meet Pearl, my 12 year old first born