The reasons for wanting to work are many and varied, yet there are some common reasons given by working and non-working Stroke Survivors and Carers. The main reasons are:
- To have an identity that is nothing to do with being a Stroke Survivor or a Carer
- To have some independence
- To earn and have some money of their own
- For social contact/meeting other people
- For job satisfaction and a different challenge and stimulation
- For confidence and self-esteem
- To benefit the whole family
Do not push yourself to go back to work – the stress can set you back, certainly in the early stages.
What you do depends on the effects of the stroke, your health, your situation and the type of work you do.
Make sure you discuss this with your consultant or GP.
You may:
- Give up work (at least for a while)
- Return to work part-time or with less responsibility
- Return to work with extra support in some areas
- Use equipment and adaptations to the workplace
- Consider a different job
- Consider voluntary work or re-training
Getting back to work is often a much longer process than simply looking for the right kind of job and then applying for it.
Information on Work, Employment Advice and Retraining
Different Strokes
Starting work after a stroke raises lots of questions and issues for many people, and this document aims to help you find the answers. In here you will find sections dealing with issues to consider:
- while you are on sick leave or planning to start work
- once you have started work, and
- when you are looking for a new job or change of direction
Each section includes relevant information about employment-related services and resources.
Information for Stroke Survivors
Information for Family & Friends of the Stroke Survivor
Job Centre Plus – Wigan
For further advice contact your Disability Employment Advisor at Job Centre Plus
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Tel: 01942 752 100 |
Carers and Work
There are currently over three million working carers in the UK. Work is important for well-being, income and to keep social contacts. If you have given up work (or not worked at all) because of your caring responsibilities you may want to work or return to work once your caring role ends, or you may decide you want to combine care with work.
Carers UK – Looking for Work
Carers UK – Flexible Working
Job Centre Plus
Ability Net
Provides free information and advice on any aspect of the use of a computer by a disabled person, and an individual assessment of technology needs.
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Ability Net
PO Box 94
Warwick
CV34 5WS |
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Tel: 01926 312847 or 0800 269545 |
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Website: www.abilitynet.co.uk |
Employment Opportunities (changing lives through employment)
Helps people with disabilities find and retain work. Also provides a wide range of support and advice to employers on disability and employment issues.
Leonard Cheshire Workability
Open to disabled people who are unemployed and actively seeking employment, equipment and training via distance learning on the internet are provided free of charge.
Shaw Trust
Provides routes to work for people with disabilities through job preparation, job finding, job support, job retention and job creation. Also supports and advises employers in the employment of people with a disability.
Volunteering England
Provides information and support for people who want to do voluntary work. You can access a database of voluntary opportunities in your area from the NCV website.
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