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Support for starting up in work/ self employment
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 5:44 pm
by songbird99
Is there any support out there financial or in terms of mentoring for starting up a business for someone diagnosed with ME? Has anyone successfully done this?
I have concluded that it is going to be difficult to find suitable employment in the current economic climate- so am looking to try to create my own opportunities.... either in terms of a business or a social enterprise....however I am wary of doing to much to soon.
many thanks to the panel for your time
Re: Support for starting up in work/ self employment
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:58 pm
by Dr Charles Shepherd
The DWP has some initiatives, some involving limited financial assistance, that are designed to help people with disabilities and health problems return to work
But I'm not sure if this would include mentoring
I suggest you call your job centre and see if you can arrange an appointment with a disability employment adviser to find out more
I'm sure that there will be mentoring initiatives in the private sector - I have a relative who is a company director who does this in a voluntary capacity
You may find that someone else on this forum can offer some more helpful advice here
Re: Support for starting up in work/ self employment
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 10:00 pm
by Dr Charles Shepherd
Re: Support for starting up in work/ self employment
Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 2:00 pm
by Sarah Lawrence
Hello,
The DWP have introduced the New Enterprise Allowance. Originally just for JSA claimants, some ESA claimants in the Work Related Activity group can now access this help. The programme provides a volunteer business mentor and can help with the costs of starting a business and other financial help.
I have not heard from anyone with M.E who has participated so I am afraid I don't have any feedback from people about how it has worked for them.
The links below gives more information about how it works and you may want to see if you could talk to a Disability employment adviser at your local Jobcenterplus office.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/n ... allowance/
https://www.gov.uk/new-enterprise-allowance
If you are aged 18-30 the Princes Trust also provides help and mentoring for people who wish to become self employed.
http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/need_he ... ramme.aspx
Best of luck