Access To Work And ADHD Coaching

What is Access To Work?

Access To Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability.

You can secure funding through Access To Work via the UK Government, if you have ADHD, are autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic or have another condition or disability?

It is a UK government programme that grants up to £66,000 per annum to support people with a physical or mental health condition or disability to take up or stay at work.

If you have ADHD are autistic or have another neurodivergent condition, you could qualify for the grant.

An Access to Work grant can pay for practical, life-changing support with the following:

• Starting work

• Staying in work

• Moving into self-employment or starting a business (but not to cover start-up costs)

It’s unfortunately not available for those who cannot work or are retired.

Who can apply?

You can apply if you 16+, live in the UK, are in full time/part time employment for an hour or more a week, or if you are looking for work, thinking about becoming self employed, and have ADHD or are autistic or any other disabilities, then you are entitled to apply.

All you need to do is tell your employer that you are applying, as they contribute around 20%. Or you can apply for it yourself if you are self employed.

Whilst completing the application form remember to be open and honest about your needs, explain in detail and be clear!

The more detail, the more likely you will receive the support!

What kind of support can I get?

It will depend on your needs. Through Access To Work, you can apply for a range of support including:

·       a grant to help pay for practical support with your work

·       support with managing your mental health at work

·       money to pay for communication support at job interviews

The following are accommodations that we know people with ADHD have successfully secured:

• ADHD Coaching - anything from 6 to 26 weeks - Access to Work can provide financial support to cover the costs of coaching services for individuals with ADHD. This can include one-on-one coaching sessions with a trained professional like Hester who specialises in ADHD management and strategies and understands what it is like to have ADHD herself.

  The coaching can help you develop coping mechanisms, organisational skills, time management techniques, and other strategies to improve your performance at work.

• Assistive technology and equipment: Access to Work can fund the provision of assistive technology and equipment that may be helpful for individuals with ADHD. This can include tools such as specialised software, apps, or devices that can aid in concentration, organisation, and productivity. This can include noise cancelling headphones, text readers, mind mapping software and more.

• Travel and transportation support: If commuting or travel is a challenge due to your ADHD, Access to Work can provide support for transportation to and from work. This may include funding for public transportation or even assistance with arranging suitable transportation options.

• Mental health support: ADHD can sometimes be associated with mental health challenges, and Access to Work can offer support in this area as well. This might include access to counselling or other mental health services to help manage stress and anxiety.

• Adaptations in the workplace: If your ADHD requires specific workplace adaptations, such as a quieter workspace or flexible working hours to accommodate your needs, Access to Work can help negotiate these adjustments with your employer.

  To access these services and more, you'll need to apply for Access to Work. The process typically involves an assessment of your needs and a discussion with an Access to Work advisor to determine what support is most suitable for you.

  The level of support provided will depend on your individual circumstances and the impact of ADHD on your ability to work effectively.

Worth knowing…

You or your employer may need to pay some costs up front and claim them back later. You can also apply for Access To Work if you are self-employed.

Do check if you are eligible by visiting here. You do not need an official diagnosis (except for dyslexia) but some people we know have been refused without a diagnosis. It is definitely worth applying though, just in case.

How to apply:

You can apply for Access To Work by visiting the DWP website here. Once you have secured your funding, get in touch to have an introductory call about ADHD coaching.

Hester is a certified ADHD coach who is diagnosed with ADHD.

Find out more about Hester here.