How to Get ADHD Coaching for Free (in the UK)

Access to Work Fund: Empowering Individuals with Disabilities

Navigating the workforce can be challenging for many, especially for those with physical or mental disabilities, including ADHD. That's where the Access to Work Fund comes into play. This UK Government program offers crucial support to help individuals overcome barriers to employment, providing financial aid for equipment and services, including ADHD coaching.

What is the Access to Work Fund?

The Access to Work Fund can award eligible individuals up to £66,000 to help manage the costs associated with getting and maintaining a job. This funding is designed to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed in their careers, regardless of their personal challenges.

Am I Eligible?

If you're considering applying for Access to Work funding, here are the key eligibility criteria:

✅ Health Condition or Disability: You must have a physical or mental health condition or disability that necessitates support to perform your job or commute. Importantly, this includes ADHD, whether or not it is formally diagnosed.

✅ Age Requirement: Applicants must be aged 16 or over.

✅ Employment Status: You should be currently employed or about to start or return to work in England, Scotland, or Wales.

✅ Residency: You must reside in England, Scotland, or Wales.

✅ Employment Type: Unfortunately, civil servants are not eligible for this program.

The Application Process

Applying for the Access to Work Fund involves a few straightforward steps. You'll need to provide the following information:

✍️ Your Details: Include your name, email, address, and phone number.

✍️ Job Information: Describe your job, including your responsibilities and daily activities.

✍️ Impact of Your ADHD: Explain how your ADHD affects your work. Be specific about the challenges you face and what support you believe you need.

✍️ Workplace Contact (if employed): Provide the details of a contact at your workplace who can vouch for your situation (with your permission, of course).

✍️ Unique Taxpayer Reference (if self-employed): Include your UTR for tax purposes.

Making Your Case

When detailing how your condition affects your work, consider the following points:

🤔 What specific work activities do you find difficult?

🤔 How does your condition impact your day-to-day functioning?

Be as descriptive as possible; providing clear examples can strengthen your application. If you’re self-employed, you may also need to supply tax information or a simple business plan after submitting your application.

Need Help?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the application process, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Tools like ChatGPT can help you articulate your needs more effectively, and people like me are here to coach you through it if you need some human support. Remember, the goal is to clearly communicate why you require support, whether it's for a permanent or temporary arrangement.