ADHD & Access to Work
Access to Work and ADHD: A Hidden Gem for Working Mothers
As a working mother with ADHD, juggling the demands of career, family, and self-care can often feel overwhelming. The constant balancing act of managing time, staying organised, and navigating workplace challenges can sometimes seem impossible, even for the most capable of us. What if there were a resource available to help make it all a little easier? Enter Access to Work – a government initiative that could be the key to unlocking the support you need in your professional life.
In this blog post, we'll explore what Access to Work is, who it's for, how it can help you as a mother with ADHD, and how easy it is to apply for.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a government program designed to help individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions, including ADHD, thrive in the workplace. It provides practical support and funding to help individuals manage their condition at work, whether that’s by providing equipment, adjustments, or assistance with specific challenges.
If you're a woman with ADHD, whether you're working from home, in an office, or on the go, Access to Work is there to make sure you get the support you deserve—without having to compromise on your career or your well-being.
Who Can Benefit from Access to Work?
This program is available to anyone with a disability or health condition that affects their ability to perform their job, including those with ADHD. So, whether you’re a mother balancing a career and family responsibilities, or someone struggling to focus at work due to the unique challenges of ADHD, Access to Work can help.
But what about the budget?
What’s the Budget and How Much is Actually Utilised?
Each individual eligible for Access to Work can receive a tailored support package. The budget varies depending on the type of support you need, but the average funding per person is around £60,000 per year. Sounds like a lot, right? However, it’s important to note that most people don’t need the full amount to make a significant impact in their work life.
In fact, a 2022 Access to Work report revealed that many individuals only use a fraction of their allocated budget. The program is designed to be flexible, so if your needs change, you can adjust the support you receive.
If you’re wondering whether the program is used enough, the answer is that many people still don’t know about it, which is why raising awareness is so crucial—especially for working mothers with ADHD. It’s estimated that only 30% of eligible individuals are currently accessing the support they’re entitled to, which means there’s a lot of untapped potential to improve your working life.
What Can Access to Work Be Used For?
So, what exactly can you use the funding for? The answer is: a lot—especially if you’re a mother with ADHD. Here are just a few examples of how Access to Work can help you manage ADHD-related challenges in the workplace:
1. Workplace Adjustments
Whether you need to create a quieter workspace, use noise-canceling headphones, or adjust your work hours to better fit around your parenting responsibilities, Access to Work can help fund these changes.
2. Assistive Technology
From voice recognition software that helps you manage tasks to organisational apps that can help you stay on top of deadlines, Access to Work can cover the cost of technology that improves focus and productivity.
3. Support Workers
Sometimes, it can help to have someone by your side to offer guidance and support throughout the workday. This might be a job coach or ADHD mentor who can help you stay organised, stay on task, or manage specific challenges related to ADHD. If you find that you need additional hands-on support, Access to Work can fund this.
4. Mental Health Support
ADHD can come with mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, or burnout—especially for working mothers juggling multiple roles. Access to Work can provide support in the form of counseling or mental health services to help you thrive at work and manage stress more effectively.
5. Travel Assistance
If you find it difficult to travel to and from work due to your condition, Access to Work can help with the cost of transport. This is particularly useful if you need a little extra support to get to work on time or if your ADHD affects your ability to use public transport.
How Easy is It to Apply for Access to Work?
The application process for Access to Work is surprisingly simple and can be done online or over the phone. You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis of ADHD (though it helps to have some form of documentation to confirm your condition), and the process is straightforward.
Here’s a quick overview of the steps:
Check Eligibility: You need to be employed, self-employed, or about to start a job, and your condition must affect your ability to do your job.
Apply Online or by Phone: You can apply directly through the government website or call the Access to Work helpline. You’ll need to provide information about your condition and how it impacts your work.
Assessment: Once you apply, an assessor will contact you to discuss your needs and determine what kind of support would be most helpful. This is a great opportunity to express your unique challenges as a working mother with ADHD and ask for specific adjustments.
Get Support: After the assessment, you’ll receive a personalised recommendation and, if eligible, funding or resources to help you thrive at work.
One of the best things about Access to Work is its flexibility. If your needs change over time, you can apply for additional support or adjust your existing package.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on This Valuable Resource
As a working mother with ADHD, it can sometimes feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Between managing your career, your family, and everything in between, it’s easy to overlook resources that could help ease the load. Access to Work is one of those resources, and it’s something you don’t want to miss.
Not only can it provide practical support, but it can also offer you the opportunity to thrive in your career without having to constantly fight against your ADHD. It’s time to reclaim your work-life balance with the help you deserve.
If you’ve ever felt like your ADHD has been holding you back at work, remember—there are solutions out there. And Access to Work might just be the key to unlocking your full potential.
Take Action Today
If you’re ready to explore how Access to Work can support you, head over to the official Access to Work website or call the helpline at 0800 121 7479. The support you need is just a few steps away, and it could make all the difference in your work-life balance.
