Let’s chat Access to Work
Have you been following me for a little while? You’ve probably seen me mention Access to Work (A2W) a lot?
If you’re still unsure about what it is and why I’m a big advocate, read on… I’ve pulled together the key bits here – along with my own story.
Ok, so what is it?
A2W is a non-repayable government grant.
The scheme has been created to support people with a physical disability or mental health condition to get – or stay – in work.
You can receive up to £60k in support a year. A huge range of customised support can be offered, from practical office items like a standing desk or headphones – to software, administrative support or job coaching.
It can be SO much more, depending on what you need.
Why am I talking about it?
I first heard about A2W when I used to deliver online training. An attendee came with a support worker and they told me how A2W grants had funded their one-to-one ADHD support.
I thought it might help with the tasks I was struggling with as a wedding photographer with ADHD and some mental health challenges.
A2W awarded me 16 hours a week support, as well as equipment and software to address some specific stumbling blocks.
I’ve worked with small and huge – local and multinational businesses over the last 20 years (as well as being a business owner myself). I know what customer excellence is – and how to get results with efficient processes.
Through doing the work unpaid for my peers, I realised that I have a great skill set to support others overcome their own progress blockers.
I’m also inquisitive AF, a chronic fact checker and love to solve problems. I’d really love to help someone like you achieve work excellence by tackling your problem areas.
Is it really for me?
If it sparks interest – and you think you meet the criteria, take a deeper look.
- You can be employed, self-employed, or about to return to work in the next 12 weeks
- You don’t need to be diagnosed with a condition to qualify
- You can receive other benefits, have savings and still receive A2W support
You need to apply via gov.uk and the A2W team will assess the support they can offer based on a short online application (I can help with this!)
How can I help?
I want to use my positive experience of A2W to help others get the support they need to feel better and do better at work
I can help with both sides – I’m happy to support you with an A2W application if you’re unsure how to approach it or if you’re finding parts tricky.
On the other end, I can work with you as part of A2W funded support to remove your progress blockers.
This could look like:
- Task planning and accountability check ins
- Looking at biz processes and optimising them
- Tackling tasks you’ve been avoiding (e.g. research, booking appointments, making applications)
- Body doubling (I join you online to keep you on task)
I’ve really tried to keep this brief, but scroll through my other posts, send me a message!
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