View Full Version : Work related Activity Group
Has anyone had/have experience of 'Work Related Activity Group'?
I had my assessment a couple of weeks ago and they were quite satisfied that I was unfit to work, but now they have sent me a letter stating that they reviewed my notes and want me to attend a 'Work Related Activity Group'.
I find this very puzzling as my main problems are; travelling; especially to strange places and have to have my partner with me to do so, trust issues, which would obviously apply to strangers, being in a strange area that is out of comfort zone and being abandoned in that area.
Social problems which all result in Panic Attacks, crying obsessively and running away.
They told me that if I do not attend this program that they would 'cut me off' any Benefits that I am receiving.
Can someone tell me anything about this Program and any other information that could help me please? :weep:
MyNameIsTerry
20-11-15, 04:56
Hi Carnation,
This board seems dead in the water at the moment but hopefully someone will answer you.
Bascially they have decided that you are not ready for work right now but can work towards getting there hence this group. The other one is for those who are considered unable to do so.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/while-youre-getting-esa/about-the-esa-groups/
I haven't signed on for many years so I only know what I've read or heard about it from others but the CAB website is excellent for all of this.
Yes, if you don't do what they say, they will "sanction" you to stop paying you. Be careful around the rules with these people as they are "sanction trigger happy" as many a news article has shown. Any possible excuse and they try it on.
You can ask for a reconsideration if you think you should be in the other group.
Thanks Terry. As you can imagine, I am dreading it. I am already at my maximum stress levels with our situation at home and the aftermath of my Mother's fall. :ohmy:
This could now push me over the edge. :scared15:
xBettyBoopx
23-11-15, 04:29
Hi Carnation
I am in the same situation as you right now. But I also have 3 chronic physical health problems along with the anxiety/panic disorder/agoraphobia.
Your letter should have stated that you can appeal, but you only have 4 weeks after the letter was dated.
I have appealed and think I should be in the support group but until then I have had to go to one of these 'work-related' things and I was in tears most of the time tbh!! I have to go again in a month! It's all been too much for me and my health has taken a turn for the worse.
But this is about you. Grab the letter again and see if you can still appeal. Call them and tell them that you are housebound/agoraphobic and that you are appealing against being put in this group.....see if you still have to go in.
It's all about eventually getting you back to work, by sending you on work experience....it's all a joke really but I ain't laughing!! Work experience..............I worked in an office for 33 years I bet I could tell them a thing or two, don't you? Dear God save me from this hell hole of a country!!! Sorry that's not helping you.:blush::blush:
Don't give in to them, that's what they want. If you feel that you couldn't possibly do anything at the moment, go to your doctor and tell him/her what's happening, see if he/she can do anything. That's all I can tell you for now.
Good luck, let me know how you get on.
:bighug1::bighug1:
Thank you sooo much xBettyBoopx. x
You could not have posted this at a better time. Thank you for taking the time to share and advise, especially with your own personnel circumstances. :hugs:
Today, I am having a really bad day. I have had my Mum with me for 2 weeks following a bad fall she had in her home. It has been hard going for me, as we don't get on and I have had to tend to her wounds as well. My Mother has taken over the house and there is no where for me to hide. My mother-n-Law has also had a nasty accident resulting in medical attention, so on top of my Anxiety and Panic Attacks, I really can't cope.
I have got to the point where I just want lie down forever; if you know what I mean.
But, I can't ands my partner is due for a Cancer Op too in January. Is there no end to it all?
I am really annoyed with their decision when I know of people 'milking' the system.
And you know what? I think I will write them a letter. I just can't do it.
Like you said. You were in tears. That is how I will be. I am in tears most days anyway. Don't they realise that more stress and pressure makes us worse?
And yes, you are right. I have been in Managerial work for most of my life and that has probably added to pressures of life. I am not lazy, but when you are ill, you are ill. That's what annoys me about having Anxiety, because they can't see it or understand it, they brush it aside.
BettyBoop, do you still have to go to the other appointment, even though your health has worsened? I do hope it is not too serious. :hugs:
Anyway, now I am wittering on, but once again thank you, I needed that advice. x
xBettyBoopx
29-11-15, 08:57
Sorry for the late reply Carnation :blush::blush:
You have so much to deal with at the moment, it seems like they'll never be any peace and that you'll never get through it, but you will, you are stronger than you think because if you were weak you would have gone by now! Thatt doesn't alter the fact that they stupid people are adding to our 'woes'!!
Yes I have to go back next month!! Unless I have heard from the appeal and they have put me in the other group which I doubt will happen. I'm not sure what's going to happen to me tbh, I try not to think about it. Since coming back from that 'meeting' Thursday of last week I have spent almost all the time in bed, it has really depressed me, I keep wondering what's going to happen to me :weep::weep:
Have you written to them yet? I hope you have, at least you would have tried. Let me know how you are getting on :)
Elspeth
xxxx
Thank you sooo much xBettyBoopx. x
You could not have posted this at a better time. Thank you for taking the time to share and advise, especially with your own personnel circumstances. :hugs:
Today, I am having a really bad day. I have had my Mum with me for 2 weeks following a bad fall she had in her home. It has been hard going for me, as we don't get on and I have had to tend to her wounds as well. My Mother has taken over the house and there is no where for me to hide. My mother-n-Law has also had a nasty accident resulting in medical attention, so on top of my Anxiety and Panic Attacks, I really can't cope.
I have got to the point where I just want lie down forever; if you know what I mean.
But, I can't ands my partner is due for a Cancer Op too in January. Is there no end to it all?
I am really annoyed with their decision when I know of people 'milking' the system.
And you know what? I think I will write them a letter. I just can't do it.
Like you said. You were in tears. That is how I will be. I am in tears most days anyway. Don't they realise that more stress and pressure makes us worse?
And yes, you are right. I have been in Managerial work for most of my life and that has probably added to pressures of life. I am not lazy, but when you are ill, you are ill. That's what annoys me about having Anxiety, because they can't see it or understand it, they brush it aside.
BettyBoop, do you still have to go to the other appointment, even though your health has worsened? I do hope it is not too serious. :hugs:
Anyway, now I am wittering on, but once again thank you, I needed that advice. x
Hi are you BettyBoop? I have done my letter, so it's in the hands of the Gods now.
I hope you get a result with your appeal. :hugs:
I was put in the WRAG a year ago. My experience has been universally negative so I will warn you that you may not want to read to the end if you are worried. I will tell you that if you truly believe you can not work, or handle 2 years of group classes and gentle but constant pressure to be finding work, fight to get put in the support group. You can get legal help of some kind to aid you in the process.
There are some people who may benefit from these programs. One guy I met on it was coming out of a depression and had done well on a volunteer gardening program they'd set up. You need to be in a strong enough position to cope with what they'll expect from you, which is basically returning to work. Sadly I was not.
I've been unable to work due to ME and anxiety for over a decade. I can't even do basic day to day things for myself because my energy is so low, supporting myself finacially is an impossibility.
At first I appealed against being put on WRAG, but I was given reassurances that my health condition would be taken into consideration, and whilst talking to a Decision Maker at the DfWP he opened by informing me that he had already been generous with his marking of my claim and that if I asked for a reassessment it could turn out worse. I shouldn't have been talked out the appeal but I was.
So I went along with the program trying to convince myself that maybe it could do me some good. But 6 months in it had all got too much for me after having my benefits sanctioned for not calling in sick quick enough, the whole thing has just caused constant stress. Often a fairly mild stress, that you try and convince yourself can handle, but the type that builds and builds and eventually catches up on you. So I demanded to be reassessed because it has got too much, but it takes months for a reassessment to happen, I've been waiting another 6 months and still nothing. Now, unfortunately, it's too late as it's got to the point where I've had a breakdown. So yeah, as you can imagine, I'm pretty jaded about the work program right now.
The program consists of regular meetings with an adviser and these stupid weekly courses they make you take, which always exhausted me, which had the knock-on effect of causing greater stress. They'll demand you to jump through various hoops all in the name of you "returning to full time employment", something that was a complete impossibility for me. But the companies that run the program get paid for every applicant they get into employment, so there is a gentle but constant pressure put on you by them to find some form of paid work, even though they'll acknowledge that you can't work. Maddening
The program lasts 2 years. I'm only half way through and expected to still be taking part. I had the incredibly uncomfortable experience of having to ring up my adviser to inform him that I wasn't coming in today as I going through a breakdown and suffering from severe depression. His response was disappointment that I wouldn't be able to complete the current course of dumb classes - where they teach you vitally important stuff like, the difference between verbal and non verbal communication, or sugar coating your CV to explain your absence from the work force due to health issues. There I was having to humbly explain to this relative stranger that I'm struggling to get through the day without acting on wanting to kill myself and he can't even scrape up the compassion to look beyond his work mindset. He eventually accepted that I wasn't going to be coming in and said I should seek help from my GP, which I already informed him I was, but this wasn't compassion but because I would need to get a note from them to temporarily excuse me from the work program. He even demanded that I go that day to the GP, then bring him the note asap. Something that even on a good day I would struggle with, but even after being there a year he still can't comprehend the extent my ME limits me, why would he understand the addition of a major depression to that. I told him it wasn't going to happen, because it's tough enough to get an immediate appointment with your GP. But considering my condition, why would he expect me to be driving around town just to get a meaningless note for him to file away. Such an unbelievable jobsworth.
I can't say, 100% being on the program caused my breakdown, because like I said it's a subtle but constant stress that's caught up with me, and there have been other factors involved. But it certainly has contributed. And is sadly continuing to contribute as it seems there is no way off the bloody thing.
---------- Post added at 10:26 ---------- Previous post was at 08:58 ----------
Just to try and add something a little positive.
If you do end up on it, maybe try getting a friend or relative to give you a fake part time job or volunteer position with a view to a permanent placement. If you can convince them that you are doing something work-related that's moving in the direction of employment they may leave you alone more, at least not send you on these waste of time courses.
Thank you for replying Doze and taking the time to do so considering your own personnel position.
I was not at all surprised by anything you have said and I can truly understand how debilitating it has been for you to go through all that you have.
I do think a breakdown is a collection of things that contribute to it, but sometimes there is a main factor.
I DID have my breakdown nearly 2 years ago and it is not a pretty place to be in and if you have been unfortunate to have experienced a breakdown, it is not a place you want to return to.
Are you having any Therapy sessions to help you? They can be of some help and are not judgmental or compulsive.
Once again I thank you for your advise and experience on this matter and I hope you yourself find some light at the end of the tunnel. :hugs:
Hi Carnation. I was feeling brighter this morning but I've gotten a lot worse since unfortunately.
To answer your question, I recently had a few sessions of CBT, they only offer 6 sessions in my local area, but it was more like 4 after all the explaining. I had a pretty major triggering event right before my final session, but was offered no extra help. My GP put me on an emergency list for further help but I don't know how much it'll help me right now My anxiety is SO severe right now.
Sometimes you get as much help on this Forum Doze.
It does annoy me that they provide only 6 sessions and their stupid waiting lists of up to a year!
I would get your support on here for the time being. It certainly helped me through the worst.
I find tiredness, stress and worry the worst offenders for the Anxiety to breed.
If only Life was a little sweeter?
I can see you are new on here and I hope you get the benefits from here you need. There are some really lovely and genuine people on the Forum and I have no doubt that you will get the support you need on here. :hugs:
Thanks for the kind words Carnation, it means a lot right now.
Well, I have had a reply. By text and post.
They are re-looking at my case; this is the Job Centre Plus Group.
And they will advise me just before Christmas of their decision. :ohmy:
I am not expecting it to be good news, so it will be a nice Christmas pressie for me. :lac: But, at least I have tried.
---------- Post added at 15:19 ---------- Previous post was at 15:18 ----------
Hope you are ok Doze. :hugs:
I think it's best to anticipate that you won't get a change of decision but you never know, you may get a sympathetic and empathetic individual looking at your case and deciding in your favour..i think so many people have tried to cheat the system in the past that it's messed it up for genuine claimants. Good luck and just see what happens..xx
Hey, guess what? The DWP will not change their decision.
That's a nice Christmas present they sent me. NOT!
Well, I can't go to their 'Groups' and as I have my partner to look after in January as well, that's me stuffed!!! :mad:
MyNameIsTerry
20-12-15, 06:46
I'm sorry to hear this. They can be a right bunch of idiots!
Where do you go from here? Isn't there another appeal process beyond that one?
It makes you feel sick when you see stories of benefit cheats that use anxiety, just like anything else, but we are on the end of additional stigma when compared to physical issues (perhaps other than bad backs which have a long history of cheats you could throw a brick and hit) and it just makes people wonder how it happens when we are struggling just getting through these imposed processes.
:hugs:
Yes, there is Terry. I can appeal.
They still have not sent me a copy of the report made by the medical assessor or a report that the DWP made which led them to this decision.
The thing is now, that the letter and disappointing news has set off my Anxiety and Depression again. You know of the hassle I hv had lately and when one thing is cleared ip , along comes another.
England sucks for it's own people and it's not the first time I have been disappointed with them. I only said recently that they asked Mr C what he intended doing when his Mother dies? I ask you; what sort of training is in place at these places.
It won't be long until people over 60 are disposed with like 'George Orwell's 1984'.
They don't really care, it's all about figures and money!
But even the people that fo these jobs may have to suffer in some way themselves one day. As they say, 'What comes around, goes around'.
Any way back yo the subject. I am a fighter Terry, but when the Anxiety illness takes over, it becomes extremely hard. I suffer so much physically; it's like my body is saying to me, 'give yourself a break woman!'
I now have a throat infection. :ohmy:
I am at the point now where I am really run down. So the diver will be sharing my company today.
I have decided to wait until after Christmas, then look at the issue again. As you know, we intend moving, so that will change things and they still have to send me those reports.
:mad: I also have extra documentation that assesses my condition and this was a private examination from a experienced Doctor that was done through my Car Accident incident. It is a good report and it cost the other party a lot of money to have this done.
In the meantime, I am going to try and get as much rest as possible.
---------- Post added at 12:15 ---------- Previous post was at 12:14 ----------
Yes, there is Terry. I can appeal.
They still have not sent me a copy of the report made by the medical assessor or a report that the DWP made which led them to this decision.
The thing is now, that the letter and disappointing news has set off my Anxiety and Depression again. You know of the hassle I hv had lately and when one thing is cleared ip , along comes another.
England sucks for it's own people and it's not the first time I have been disappointed with them. I only said recently that they asked Mr C what he intended doing when his Mother dies? I ask you; what sort of training is in place at these places.
It won't be long until people over 60 are disposed with like 'George Orwell's 1984'.
They don't really care, it's all about figures and money!
But even the people that fo these jobs may have to suffer in some way themselves one day. As they say, 'What comes around, goes around'.
Any way back yo the subject. I am a fighter Terry, but when the Anxiety illness takes over, it becomes extremely hard. I suffer so much physically; it's like my body is saying to me, 'give yourself a break woman!'
I now have a throat infection. :ohmy:
I am at the point now where I am really run down. So the diver will be sharing my company today.
I have decided to wait until after Christmas, then look at the issue again. As you know, we intend moving, so that will change things and they still have to send me those reports.
:mad: I also have extra documentation that assesses my condition and this was a private examination from a experienced Doctor that was done through my Car Accident incident. It is a good report and it cost the other party a lot of money to have this done.
In the meantime, I am going to try and get as much rest as possible.
---------- Post added at 12:17 ---------- Previous post was at 12:15 ----------
:doh: stupid phone, went through twice.
---------- Post added at 12:22 ---------- Previous post was at 12:17 ----------
P.s. 'Diver should read Duvet'!
Besides Mr C may have something to say about that. :D
I'm sorry that the decision hasn't changed, Carnation, Hope you feel better soon xx
Thanks Pulisa. I feel a bit better now. (Even if it is only for a short while).
My Diver/Duvet helped. :)
phoenix1985
25-01-16, 19:16
Not sure where you are with all this Carnation, but I have great sympathy. I'm on ESA at the moment, and have just had to fill in a form to have my benefits reassessed. I've been in the support group for the last 15 months. Due to my ED, I think. I'm in a spin with anxiety panicking that they're going to stop my money.
I was in the WRAG before that, and went through serious stress with it. I did the Work Programme for two years, and that's what sparked off my restriction in eating for the second time. To be fair, the people I dealt with weren't overly mean or anything, it was just too much for my to cope with. I always had someone go with me, despite a bit of pressure sometimes to start "going alone". The "advisers" tended to think they were therapists and qualified to deliver CBT.
I hope you're going okay. :hugs:
xBettyBoopx
26-01-16, 02:23
Carnation, what's happening now if anything. Please let us know.
I hate to tell you this considering what you are going through but after reconsideration they did put me in the 'Support Group' thank goodness. I got into it apparently on the 'regulation 35'. Basically it could be detremental to my health either physical or mental to do any kind of work related activity. Google it.:scared15::scared15:
Take care
Els
xxx
That's good news BettyBoop. :)
I am still waiting for them to contact me, but they are still intent in putting me in to the 'Work Related Group'. :scared15:
I can't travel alone or be alone with strangers and I have been in a relapse since Christmas, so I am unable to go anyway. I will cross that bridge when I come to it. :scared15:
Phoenix, the best thing is to just deal with this at it arises, this system can go on for Months. And a lot can change in a few months, so for now, just concentrate on your other issues. :hugs: At least we are not alone in all of this. :hugs:
phoenix1985
29-01-16, 18:31
I've been in the system for quite a while and hate it. Every time I go round the circle of having to prove how ill I am it seems to make me worse. I am trying to cope with one day at a time. But I just want it over with. I want to know what's going to happen. Which of course fuels the anxiety.
You're right. We're not in this alone. Thank you. :hugs: I hope they get the message that you're not well enough to do what they're asking.
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