Medical
The NHS website actually has lots of useful information on it, but I like these exercise and fitness plans. Something to look at for the future for me!
The gov.uk site is invaluable for advice on benefits, housing, disability support and links to your local council who will have their own hidden secrets that you can search out.
Disability North is a North East charity that helps to advise and support people with disabilities on benefits, mobility and training. There will be charities locally to you who do similar things, but if you can’t find one get in touch with your local Citizens Advice and they’ll be able to put you in touch with some, or help you themselves.
The blue badge for disabled parking comes from your local council but you can use the badge throughout the country. Just make sure you read all of the instruction booklet as it doesn’t mean you can just park anywhere!
Equipment
Did you know that you can get a home assessment by your local council? Just search for adult social care in your area and you can get an advisor to come out, assess how you’re managing in your home and either provide or advice on equipment to suit your needs. I have a toilet frame, bath seat, trolley and over bed table provided by my local council! It’s an amazing service that can help you to adapt your home to make life a bit easier. You can also apply for grants to help with bigger projects like a stair lift or bathroom conversion. These are all local schemes, so your council may be different and have specific criteria for each piece of equipment, so have a look and see what’s on offer to you.
There are loads of extra secret things that your local council or the government can help you with, from bus passes, student grants and taxi services…have a browse and see what would help you get closer to Superhero status!
Work
If you’re working and need a bit of help then get in touch with Access to Work. They will help with providing assessments in work, equipment and travel costs. The team are really helpful, all you have to do is make a call and most of the time it’s free! Your company might have to pay some costs towards it but the info is all here. I got support with them paying for taxi’s for me to get to work on days that I couldn’t drive but they’ll also pay for desk equipment and adjustments, specialist IT programs, support workers….the list goes on, just give them a call, explain what you’re struggling with and they’ll see what they can do to help.
Self employment is often a way for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions to manage work around health restrictions, timescales and accessibility issues that come with most paid employment roles. It’s pretty easy to set up as self employed, its all on the gov.uk website. If you are claiming benefits have a check to see what permitted work you’re able to do and make sure you tell the DWP or it can affect your benefits.
Blogs & Information
I’ve just found this website blurtitout.org and it’s a fount of information, support, hints and tips and general fabulousness for anyone suffering with or supporting someone with Depression or Anxiety (So pretty much anyone!)
The pain toolkit website was recommended by my Pain physio and it is really useful with loads of hints and tips for managing chronic pain, as well as some good links to other websites.
This invisible illness website has some good information, but I really like the blogs on it. They are stories from people like you and me who are living and thriving with invisible illnesses.
Do you want to read stories from other people going through similar things? The Mighty is a wonderful online magazine for anyone with chronic illness, plus I’m a contributor, so they’re obviously amazing!
Ted talks are simply brilliant, I can get a bit carried away watching them, but I do have some favourites (I’m hoping to get to do one eventually!) Here are my top 3 that have really resonated with me and I would highly recommend to anyone:
1 – Stella has a great view of disability and the place in society of disabled people. It links into my thinking on equity vs equality and a fab short talk that makes you realise that were not all inspirational simply for living with disabilities. There are so many people fighting invisible battles everyday and just living is not enough, you have to live positively.
2 – I am obsessed with Amanda Palmer! I have her quotes on post it notes around my house and I have been telling everyone that I know to read her book. Her views on asking and receiving are brilliant and totally relevant to the type A personalities among us who hate asking for help.
3 – I love Ruby Wax and her view of mental health is refreshing, honest and obviously funny. Check out her book Sane as well its a good mix of science and personal observation. Stop the Stigma!
You Tube also has some brilliant talks/videos to watch and my favourite is Marissa Peers She has such a brilliant message and I was inspired to write “I am Enough” on all of the mirrors in my house after watching this video. See for yourself!
Entertainment
The CEA card is a national scheme to help make getting out and about affordable. Lots of venues across the country will give discounted seats or free companion seats with this card. (It’s mainly for cinemas but some theatres accept it as well) For some venues you don’t need one, just check their accessibility information on the website and it’ll let you know if they offer discounts or special seating areas for people with disabilities.
If you have any good recommendations for sites, links or information that has helped you then and I’ll add them to the list.
Vic xx
