Access to Work

Developing more ADHD-friendly coping strategies for working

If you are working* and have been diagnosed with ADHD, you can apply for Access to Work funding. This government fund is designed to help you manage your work life better.

This is not means-tested and once ATW have evidence that you are employed / self-employed, they will organise an assessment call with an outside party to identify what equipment or support you might benefit from for your particular needs.

*(If you’re unemployed, scroll to the end of the page to find out about IPES support)

Some examples of what may be funded via Access to Work: 

• Coping strategy sessions/ Job coaching: this is a form of coaching which appears to be universally offered to all successful applicants. Usually applicants are offered around 10-12 hours but you may be offered as much as 24 hours of support. You can choose who provides this support, up to the budget offered. (See below for more about coaching with me).
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Voice to text software & training to use this
• Mind-mapping software & training to use this
• A support worker (this person might have VA/ PA skills) you’d need to explain how your ADHD impacts you and how this person can help. If you think you’d benefit from this support you may find it useful to to talk through your application with the relevant provider – it’s a great way to find out if you could work with them! 
• You can usually choose an alternative coaching provider or equipment so long as the equivalent support is provided. Once agreed, you’ll usually pay for sessions  or purchase the equipment yourself and then claim back costs up to the budget offered.

How to apply

The initial application form is completed on the government Access to Work webpage. It may help to look at the questions in advance so I’ve produced a word document you might want to use. However, do try not to overthink it – you won’t get the help until you’ve applied!

There will then be a wait – usually around 4 months – you could use this time to speak to a few coaches so you have someone in mind. The next step will be for them to confirm that you are eligible for funding (proof of employment or self-employment). 

Why choose me for your coaching sessions?

I have over 5o years of  lived experience of ADHD (with two ADHD offspring). As a result, I have developed many coping strategies to manage my own focus and working memory. In addition, since 2014 I’ve worked as a professional organiser with hundreds of clients, both in their homes and online. 

I am also a qualified coach and specialise in supporting clients with ADHD, so that you can manage both work and everyday life more easily.
 

How do sessions work? (More info here)

These online sessions can be tailored to fit your specific needs. You might want to look at one of the following areas:

• Developing your executive functioning skills: We will focus on strengthening your ability to prioritise, organise, review and work flexibly.
• Managing time: Using your calendar/ diary & time more effectively.
• Managing your To Dos: Helping you work more effectively using the principles of Kanban. Tweaking any current systems which you’d like to work better for you. 
• Managing space: Decluttering/organising your ADHD workspace at home or work.
• Managing paperwork: Setting up a filing system from scratch so that you can find documents quickly.
• Managing mail: Developing more effective strategies to sort your emails and mail.
• Developing better work relationships: We’ll explore how you communicate so that you manage boundaries more effectively, thus minimising workplace frustrations.
• I can also help you with your claim forms, making it easier to claim for your Access to Work funding

Prices: £110/ hr from 2023

Want to find out more?

Do contact get in touch here to book an introductory call. We’ll use this call to discuss any questions you might have, and to find out if we would like to work together.

* IPES support for unemployed

If you are unemployed and are looking for support then Intensive Personalised Employment Support (IPES) provides one-to-one support and training to help you into work if you have a health condition such as ADHD or a disability.