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Disability UK, Formerly Known as Disabled Entrepreneur UK.

How Technology Can Help People with Disabilities Advance Their Careers 

Disabled Entrepreneur – Disability UK is a portal for empowerment to help improve the quality of life for disabled entrepreneurs to find their purpose through creativity, productivity, motivation, and manifestation (neuroplasticity). Contact us today for more info!  

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Written By: Megan Cooper 19/05/23

How Technology Can Help People with Disabilities Advance Their Careers 

Many people with disabilities face unique challenges when it comes to finding and advancing their careers. Fortunately, technology can be a major help in making this process much easier. From job-posting websites to assistive technology, there are many ways people with disabilities can use technology to get ahead in their careers. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective methods, shared below by Disabled Entrepreneur – Disability UK

Online Classifieds 

Online job sites offer a unique opportunity for professionals with disabilities to find meaningful work that best suits their needs. These sites provide accessible, user-friendly interfaces, tailored to the specific needs of disabled professionals. For example, many online job sites feature more advanced options for searches that focus on specialized skills and qualifications.  

Additionally, these websites often feature tools for employers to help them better understand what makes potential candidates qualified for the position. This level of detail gives disabled professionals an opportunity to become employed in an environment that is both inclusive and accepting.  

Turn to Assistive Technology 

Thriver notes that assistive technology can offer invaluable assistance to professionals with disabilities, allowing them to access equipment and software that can help them advance their careers. Devices such as screen readers, speech recognition technology, dictation software, and more allow professionals with disabilities to effectively and safely navigate the modern workplace. By providing access to tools that could otherwise be inaccessible or time-consuming to learn, assistive technology helps individuals with disabilities reach their full potential in the workplace. 

Voice-Activated Assistants 

Insider Intelligence points out that voice-activated assistants provide a significant benefit to professionals with disabilities. These assistants make use of natural language processing and other technologies to understand voice commands, which can help those with physical challenges interact with technology more easily. By using voice activation, tasks like navigating menus, sending emails, and scheduling appointments can be done without having to rely on a keyboard or mouse. This makes it easier for people with disabilities to work independently and helps ensure they remain competitive in their profession. 

Virtual Degree Programs  

For professionals with disabilities, online degree programs provide a unique set of benefits. For example, earning a bachelor’s degree online provides the option to manage coursework from virtually any location, and many courses are tailored to fit the needs of students with disabilities.  

The flexibility of online learning means that those with physical or mental impairments can take classes and complete degrees at their own pace and according to their own schedule. Online degree programs also tend to be more affordable than traditional on-campus programs, making them even more attractive for those with limited financial resources.  

The Power of LinkedIn   

With a platform like LinkedIn, professionals with disabilities can create an online profile to showcase their skills and experience, gain networking opportunities, and connect with employers who are looking for qualified candidates. LinkedIn allows users to post content such as articles, videos, or pictures that highlight their expertise in a certain field, which provides them with greater visibility in the job market.  

To help your profile stand out, add keywords related to disabilities as well as any special certifications you may have. Also, join groups related to professional development and disabilities that are specific to your interests and field of work.  

Technology is an invaluable asset for those with disabilities when it comes to pursuing career opportunities. Websites, accessible software, voice command systems, online courses, and assistive technology can all help to provide greater possibilities and make career pathways easier to navigate. With the right combination of determination and tech tools in hand, people with disabilities can achieve any goal they set out to accomplish in today’s job market. 

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Financial Hardship Impact On Mental Health

Financial Hardship Impact On Mental Health

Financial hardship can have a significant impact on mental health. Financial stressors can cause anxiety, depression, and a range of other mental health issues. Financial challenges can impact all areas of life, including personal relationships, job performance, and overall well-being.

Financial hardship is defined as a situation in which an individual or family is struggling to make ends meet. This may be due to job loss, unexpected expenses, or mounting debt. Whatever the cause, financial hardship can take a significant toll on mental health. The stress of worrying about how to pay bills or provide for one’s family can lead to anxiety and depression. These mental health issues can be compounded by the stigma and shame that often comes with financial struggles.

The link between financial hardship and mental health is well-established. A study by the American Psychological Association found that people with low incomes are more likely to experience mental health issues than those with higher incomes. The same study also found that people with financial stress are more likely to report physical health problems.

The impact of financial hardship on mental health is not limited to those with low incomes. Even individuals with higher incomes may experience financial challenges that lead to mental health issues. For example, someone who loses a high-paying job may struggle to adjust to a lower income and may experience anxiety and depression as a result.

Managing the stress that comes with financial challenges is critical to maintaining mental health. There are several steps that individuals can take to manage their stress and protect their mental health during times of financial hardship. The first step is to acknowledge the problem and seek help if needed. This may involve reaching out to a financial advisor or therapist who can provide support and guidance.

Other steps that can help manage the stress of financial hardship include creating a budget, reducing expenses, and seeking financial assistance if needed. Taking care of one’s physical health is also essential. Exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep can all help reduce stress and improve mental health.

Finally, it is important to remember that financial challenges are a common experience. There is no shame in struggling to make ends meet, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By taking steps to manage stress and protect mental health, individuals can weather financial challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient.

Financial hardship can have a significant impact on mental health. The stress of worrying about finances can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. However, by acknowledging the problem, seeking help, and taking steps to manage stress, individuals can protect their mental health during times of financial hardship. Remember, financial challenges are a common experience, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

How your landlord can cause you emotional distress with rent increases

As a tenant, paying rent is a necessary and often stressful part of the rental process. While rent increases are a common occurrence in the rental market, they can cause emotional distress for tenants. Unfortunately, some landlords may intentionally or unintentionally cause emotional distress through rent increases. Here’s how landlords can cause emotional distress with rent increases, and what tenants can do about it.

Firstly, landlords may suddenly increase the rent without providing adequate notice or explanation. This can lead to a feeling of uncertainty and anxiety for tenants, who may worry about their ability to afford the new rent. In some cases, tenants may also feel betrayed by their landlords, especially if they have had a good relationship up until this point.

Another way landlords can cause emotional distress with rent increases is by raising the rent to an unaffordable level. This can be especially devastating for low-income tenants who are already struggling to make ends meet. Rent increases that force tenants to choose between paying rent and buying groceries or paying other bills can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Landlords can also cause emotional distress by being unresponsive to tenant concerns about rent increases. When tenants reach out to their landlords with questions or concerns about rent increases, they may feel ignored or dismissed. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and powerlessness.

So, what can tenants do to cope with rent increases and prevent emotional distress? Here are a few tips:

  • Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with your local rental market and rent control laws. Knowing your rights as a tenant can help you better navigate rent increases and protect yourself from unfair treatment.
  • Communicate with your landlord: If you have concerns about a rent increase, talk to your landlord about it. Be clear and respectful about your concerns, and ask for an explanation of the rent increase. If your landlord is unresponsive or dismissive, consider reaching out to a tenant advocacy group for support.
  • Budget carefully: If your rent increases, take some time to re-evaluate your budget and adjust your spending accordingly. Look for areas where you can cut back on expenses and save money.
  • Consider moving: If the rent increase is too much for you to afford, consider moving to a more affordable rental property. Be sure to give your landlord adequate notice and follow the terms of your lease.

Rent increases can cause emotional distress for tenants, especially if they are sudden, unaffordable, or unresponsive. Tenants can protect themselves by staying informed, communicating with their landlords, budgeting carefully, and considering moving if necessary. Remember that you have rights as a tenant, and you deserve to be treated with respect and fairness by your landlord.

Suing someone for emotional distress

Suing someone for emotional distress is a legal action that allows an individual to seek compensation for the mental and emotional harm caused by the actions of another person. Emotional distress can be a severe and debilitating condition that affects an individual’s daily life and ability to function normally. The legal system recognizes the seriousness of emotional distress and provides an avenue for individuals to seek redress for the harm caused by another.

Emotional distress can arise from a wide range of situations. For example, it can result from the intentional actions of another person, such as harassment or abuse, or it can result from negligent actions, such as a car accident or medical malpractice. Emotional distress can also be a byproduct of a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or crime.

To successfully sue someone for emotional distress, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions caused emotional harm. This can be a challenging task, as emotional distress is often difficult to quantify and prove. The plaintiff must also demonstrate that the emotional distress was severe enough to warrant compensation.

To prove emotional distress, the plaintiff must provide evidence of the harm caused by the defendant’s actions. This can include medical records, witness testimony, and expert testimony from mental health professionals. The plaintiff may also need to demonstrate that they have suffered financial losses as a result of the emotional distress, such as lost wages or medical expenses.

If the plaintiff is successful in proving their case, they may be entitled to compensation for their emotional distress. This can include damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and medical expenses. The amount of compensation awarded will depend on the severity of the emotional distress and the extent of the harm caused by the defendant’s actions.

It is essential to note that emotional distress lawsuits can be complex and challenging to navigate. It is always recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney to guide you through the legal process. A qualified attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Editors Notes:

Suing someone for emotional distress is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. Emotional distress can have a significant impact on an individual’s life and well-being. If you have been the victim of emotional distress, you have the right to seek compensation for the harm caused by another person’s actions. With the help of an experienced attorney/solicitor, you can navigate the legal system and obtain the justice you deserve.

Finding free or affordable legal help – Citizens Advice

Exceptional Case Funding – Public Law Project

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#costofliving #financialharship #lowincome #disabledentrepreneurs #emotionaldistresss #anxiety #depression #stress #insomnia #suicide

Airport Parking Meet & Greet Service

Airport Parking Meet & Greet Service

Traveling abroad can be stressful at the best of times, but when it comes to traveling and being disabled you are automatically on another playing field. For people with disabilities, there are many obstacles that they may have to overcome, Getting from the car or coach to the airport, queuing to check in luggage, scanning passports, going through security, and then finding the terminal to queue once again before going to the boarding gate.

Abled-bodied people, especially if they are in a hurry will push and shove, especially if they are running late. It, therefore, makes sense to get assistance without standing out like a ‘Belisha Beacon’ to get from A to B. When arriving at the airport you should go to an assistance point. An assistant point can be inside or outside of the terminal. Assistance points will usually have some type of disability-related logo, and include a buzzer or telephone to enable you to call for assistance should they not be staffed at that time.

It is reported that for around 22% of the population, traveling can be a difficult, even frightening, experience.

Thankfully many airports in the UK and around the globe are waking up to the needs of these passengers. For physically disabled persons there has for some time now been help available in the form of transportation around the airport. This is now being extended to passengers with other challenges.

Airports are now adopting a meet-and-greet policy to help aid people with disabilities.

Airport develops hidden disabilities assistance card

The OCS Group provides special assistance at the Airport, and local Dementia, Autism, and Alzheimer charities in developing invisible disabilities assistance cards in addition to the lanyard scheme.

The card, which is the size of a business card, acts as a discreet sign to airport staff to identify passengers who may need additional support or assistance as they travel through the airport. The card can be handed discreetly to airport staff along with the passenger’s boarding pass or passport.

The special assistance card advises staff that a passenger may need more time to process information, help in avoiding crowded places, or extra assistance in reading departure boards or flight information, for example. The card also encourages airport staff to use clear language when giving instructions.  Airport staff will also be aware that passengers carrying a card may need to remain with a family member or companion at all times.

Airport develops hidden disabilities assistance card – airport focus on international

In addition to the lanyard initiative, people with physical disabilities, as well as people with hidden disabilities will have a specialized team on hand to help passengers prepare for a journey and give additional guidance where need be.

Training and awareness program was adopted throughout all airports in the UK in 2017 where customers facing difficulties traveling can get assistance without the journey becoming stressful.

What is Airport Assistance Services

Airport assistance services can also be provided for abled-bodied travelers through this link: https://airportassistance.com/services/ This could be for businesses where CEOs prefer to have a concierge service and have peace of mind.

Departures

Flight monitoring
Coordinate with ground transportation
Personal curbside greet
Check-in assistance
Baggage and porter service
Security escort
Escort to departure lounge
Personal escort to the boarding gate

Connections

Flight monitoring
Personal arrival greet
Baggage and porter assistance
Check-in assistance to onward flight
Security escort
Escort to departure lounge
Personal escort to the boarding gate

Arrivals

Flight monitoring
Coordinate with ground transportation
Personal arrival greet
Baggage and porter assistance
Escort out to chauffeur

Disabled Travelers

For disabled customers arriving at the airport in a wheelchair or mobility scooter, there is usually a very efficient service in place. However, customers are advised to pre-book early, at least 48 hours before departure to avoid any unnecessary delays. The disabled traveler may use their own equipment prior to checking in, after which time they will be provided with a wheelchair or transportation to the aircraft, depending on their specific needs. 

Airline Policy on Assistance Dogs

The Civil Aviation Authority states that all airlines must allow assistance dogs on board with their owners, free of charge. There are certain stipulations to be aware of:

  • Owners must inform the airline in advance of travel
  • If a dog is too big to go on the floor in front of the owner, then an extra ticket may need to be purchased
  • Owners must supply a harness, food, and a blanket for the dog to lie on
  • The airline may ask if the dog is suitably trained for air travel with a certificate from an authorized trainer as proof
  • Some airlines won’t carry certain breeds of dog at all (for example pit bull terriers, mastiffs, etc)

Assistance dogs need to comply with the UK Government Pet Travel Scheme. For more information, visit the gov.uk website.

Emotional Support Animals on Planes

Current legislation in the UK will only accept dogs as emotional support animals, although not all airlines recognize this. For example, Thomas Cook and British Airways won’t allow you to carry them on board with you. However, Virgin, Ryanair, and EasyJet will allow emotional support dogs on the plane, so it may be worth checking this prior to booking your flight. Of course, all dogs must comply with the UK Government Pet Travel Scheme.

Finally, new schemes are being rolled out by some airlines all the time to ensure that the impact of a flight for customers with ‘hidden disabilities’ is as stress-free as possible. Virgin Atlantic has a dedicated special assistance team in place to help with the needs of these customers, from the initial check-in right through the duration of the flight.

AIRPORT PARKING MEET & GREET SERVICES is Available For All Disabled Travelers. (Please note advertising below consists of affiliate links where we may get a commission).

HEATHROW AIRPORT PARKING

LUTON AIRPORT PARKING

LEEDS AIRPORT PARKING

BRISTOL AIRPORT PARKING

LIVERPOOL AIRPORT PARKING

BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT PARKING

MANCHESTER AIRPORT PARKING

GLOBAL AIRPORT PARKING

MEDICAL TRAVEL COMPARED

#meetandgreet #heathrowairport #lutunairport #leedsairport #bristolairport #stansteadairport #disabilitytravel #hiddendisabilities #travellandyards

The UK Is On ‘The Brink Of Starvation’ 2022

“If you have no extra money, to begin with, no amount of financial advice is going to get you out of the debt the governments and big corporations have landed you in”.

The UK Is On ‘The Brink Of Starvation’ 2022.

It was predicted during lockdown 3 million people were on the verge of starvation according to ‘The Financial Times but now we are on a whole new level of people starving due to the price hikes of the cost of living.

My question is: “if you do not have money, to begin with, how are you supposed to pay for the cost of living price rises”?

Vulnerable People Are On The Brink Of Starvation.

If you have no assets to sell how are you supposed to pay off your debts?

This article should be shared everywhere so that the powers that be, realize that people like the elderly, the disabled, and people on low incomes simply cannot manage to survive.

If people who do not have savings and live pay cheque to pay cheque how can the government and the large corporations expect people to pay more than is physically possible when they increase prices? The Bank of England has just announced today they are increasing interest rates to help with inflation. How is increasing further hikes going to help people living on the breadline or below?

The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.

It is all very well to say the government is investing £15 Billion into helping with the cost of living, but it is all smoke and mirrors because that does not stop the creditors and utility companies chasing the vulnerable and does give an IMMEDIATE effect on the people that need the help the most.

Something needs to be put in place immediately, not next month or the month after, but it needs to be put in place now!

“People Need Help Today Not Tomorrow”!

A U-turn by the government will see oil and gas firms help pay an additional 25 percent windfall tax on profits to help pay for fresh measures to support households with soaring energy bills. Yet the energy companies such as ‘British Gas’ for example are still charging extortionate prices.

I am not saying this is impacting UK alone this is a global crisis but I have to speak for the people in the UK as this is where I reside.

Six months ago, UN World Food Program President David Beasley issued a “one time appeal to billionaires to help fight famine,” which explained that if the world’s richest people donated a mere $6.6 billion of their collective $13.1 trillion in wealth (or 0.04 percent of the total), world hunger could be eliminated in 2022 and millions of lives could be saved.

So shame on all the rich that do not do enough and I am sure God or Allah or if you believe in any higher power, your fate will be decided for you in your next life and you will reap what you sow!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

To all the Politicians, Millionaires, Billionaires & Royalty of this world, why hoard your money when you could be helping society? Afterall we came into this world with nothing and we will leave with nothing. You cannot take your wealth with you. You do not know what happens when you die. You may be reborn and have to live a life in poverty – Karma!

“What person has the right to make another person unhappy? We are all supposed to live in harmony with one another and love thy neighbor but we have made this world a very evil place, and people should not have their mental well-being affected or lose lives through war and famine because of greed”. How can the people responsible for this, be able to sleep soundly at night?

MENTAL HEALTH & RISK OF SUICIDE.

‘It screws with an already vulnerable mind’: How the cost of living crisis is affecting the nation’s mental health. Soaring bills and a lack of support from the government are causing ‘huge pressure’ for people with mental health problems. Socioeconomic disadvantage or living in an area of socioeconomic deprivation increases the risk of suicidal behaviour. https://www.samaritans.org/wales/about-samaritans/research-policy/inequality-suicide/

https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/news/chancellor-fails-to-stop-benefit-claimants-facing-second-drop-in-income-in-under-six-months/

Samaritans_Dying_from_inequality_report_-_summary

FURTHER READING

Here are some top search results of what mainstream media and charities are saying:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-61373480

https://www.ft.com/content/eb1998ce-9bc0-4839-a95a-c10641f9ffcc

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/feb/07/1m-uk-adults-go-entire-day-without-food-in-cost-of-living-crisis

https://foodfoundation.org.uk/press-release/millions-adults-missing-meals-cost-living-crisis-bites

https://www.wfp.org/hunger-catastrophe

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/07/how-much-would-it-cost-to-end-hunger/

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/pneumonia-starvation-brummies-reveal-reality-24061768

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/poor-people-starve-death-cost-26022882

https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4050394/government-taps-oil-gas-profits-help-pay-fresh-gbp15bn-energy-bills-support

https://news.sky.com/story/cost-of-living-more-than-half-of-households-taking-action-to-cope-with-rising-cost-of-essentials-12624344

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2022/05/25/per1-m25.html

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

If you are finding life is getting too much contact the Samaritans, your Doctor (GP) or visit A&E / ER.

We have a useful links page for most charities and financial advice websites.

Do also contact this charity Mind.org.uk if things are starting to get overwhelming.

** Please note if you are residing outside of the UK please contact local charities in your area. We try to update our list as much as posssible and may have missed charities out. Do contact us if you are one of those charities and we will gladly put you on our list.

#poverty #costofliving #hardship #debt #financialdifficulty #starvation #mentalhealth #utilitycompanies #vulnerablepeople #lowincome #lowincomefamilies

Stress & Cognitive Function.

Photo Credit Pixabay : Geralt
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Stress & Cognitive Function.

Psychological stress can affect a person’s cognitive abilities, in the short term (e.g., when an individual’s thoughts are pre-occupied with an argument or problem that happened earlier in the day resulting in reduced ability to concentrate) as well as over the long term, where the intrusive thoughts creep in and the problem simply does not go away and festers, which in turn can lead to anxiety, depression and other mental health disabilities.

Emotional and cognitive changes

The emotional and cognitive effects are often the greatest challenges. Some of the most common symptoms can be hidden from plain sight. These changes can affect the way people feel about themselves and alter their cognitive functions. For many, the emotional and cognitive effects represent the greatest challenges.

Emotional changes

Uncertainty, stress, and anxiety, depression are the most common disorders a person can experience.

A person with an autoimmune neurological disease such as MS or Cerebellar Atrophy may grieve for their life before they were diagnosed with a disorder. Other emotional changes that may occur include clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and mood swings. All of these are more common among people with MS than in the general population. Depression and bipolar disorder require professional attention and the use of effective treatments.

Emotional lability appears to be more common, and possibly more severe, in people with MS and Mental Health Disorders. This may include frequent mood changes, for example from happy to sad to angry.

It is believed that the causes are the extra stress brought on by MS as well as neurological changes. Uncontrollable laughing and crying is a disorder affecting a small proportion of people with MS, and it is thought to be caused by MS-related changes in the brain.

Low self-esteem

Having MS can affect self-esteem. There may be times when it’s difficult to do everything a person is used to doing, or they may have to do things differently. Focusing too much on the negative aspects can feel overwhelming.

Cognitive changes

Cognition refers to the “higher” brain functions such as memory and reasoning. About half of all people with MS will not experience any cognitive changes, but for others, the most commonly affected aspects of cognition are:

Memory

Attention and concentration

Word-finding

Speed of information processing

Abstract reasoning and problem solving

Visual-spatial abilities

Executive functions

Studies have shown according to author Dr. Sudha Seshadri, professor of neurology at UT Health San Antonio explains that higher levels of stress translate into raised levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood. A raised level of cortisol in the blood can predict brain size, function, and also the performance of the individual when faced with cognitive tests. She said, “We found memory loss and brain shrinkage in relatively young people long before any symptoms could be seen.” It’s never too early to be mindful of reducing stress,” she added. The lead author, Dr. Justin B. Echouffo-Tcheugui, an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins also said that symptoms of stress-related memory loss and brain damage may not be evident until much damage has already been done.

Cerebellar Atrophy & Stress.

The cerebellum is connected with stress-related brain areas and expresses the machinery required to process stress-related neurochemical mediators. Surprisingly, it is not regarded as a substrate of stress-related behavioral alterations, despite numerous studies that show cerebellar responsivity to stress.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31348932/

Notes From The Editor.

“I suffer from cognitive impairment, I lose my balance, jumble my words, and have memory loss. The condition I have is cerebellar atrophy. I was diagnosed with it around 2011”.

The more stressed I am the less I want to do. I sometimes have to force myself to churn the wheel for another day.

I suffer from clinical depression and have been diagnosed with this over 30 years ago. There are days that I have to fight with my thoughts in order to get through the day.

Recently with the price hikes, my depression is getting worse. I have my voice mail turned off and my phone is on airplane mode constantly. I cannot deal with talking to people over the phone. To counteract this I much prefer email correspondence. I am not too good with letters especially forms because of my OCD, this is something else I suffer with.

Having people pity me and say things “Awh Bless” or “Poor You”, really gets my back up. It is condescending. Furthermore, people are quick to judge or assume.

The difference between someone who is self-employed and someone who is employed is that the employed person is a slave to their employer and has a guaranteed wage, whilst the self-employed do not have a guaranteed income stream. A disabled person may choose to work for themselves as they do not have the same amount of pressure or obstacles to overcome.

I spoke with a British Gas customer rep the other day and she started asking questions, such as do I have a carer, and when I said no, I could hear her brain ticking and assuming that I am making things up about my illness. I tried explaining if I get stressed my mental state shuts down and I go into a whirl of depression. I continued to say that yanking my gas bill from £65 per month to £90 and a further hike to £138 was simply unacceptable. I simply cannot get this sort of money out of my a##e. I ended by saying I won’t be able to work because I cannot cope with the stress this is causing me. Now wait for the assuming bit she replied “what do you mean you will not be able to work, what do you do”? I said “I am the editor of “Disability UK Journal”. There was silence and then her attitude changed.

“A person who is self-employed and becomes unwell cannot function or keep their business running. So if they do not work no money comes in”.

“Just because I run this disability journal does not mean I am rolling around in money. Never assume anything”!

I am not a charity and I have no funding, I simply rely on Advertising & Marketing Revenue”.

Never assume because someone is working, they are financially secure or they do not have disabilities, or if they have they must not be all there especially when they have mental health disorders”.

There is so much stigma attached to disabilities with small-minded people judging and assuming things. Just because someone may have a disability does not make them less capable than the next person (depending on certain factors and disabilities of course), they may in fact do a better job.

“A disabled person can be more intelligent than you, so never assume that they are not”.

Elon Musk for example has ADHD and suffers from Asperger’s syndrome and is the richest man in the world.

https://disabledentrepreneur.uk/category/famous-entrepreneurs-with-disabilities/

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2021/05/10/elon-musk-says-he-has-aspergers/29332/

Further Reading:

https://www.msif.org/about-ms/symptoms-of-ms/cognition-and-emotional-changes/

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20181025/Stress-can-cause-memory-loss-and-brain-shrinkage-finds-study.aspx

#disabilityuk #disabledentrepreneur #multiplesclerosis #mscongintivefunctions #cognitivefunctions #stress #anxiety #judging #assuming #selfemployed #disabledselfemployed #depression

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Cost Of Living And The Impact On Struggling Low Income Families & Entrepreneurs.

DISABILITY UK – DISABLED ENTREPRENEUR

Cost of Living And The Impact On Struggling Low-Income Families & Entrepreneurs.

Content:

  • In The News.
  • Average UK Salary & Overheads.
  • Self Employed On A Low Income.
  • Reasons Why Rachel Mclean Minister Does Not Have A Clue.
  • Mental Health & Low-Income Families.
  • Mental Health.
  • Suicide Due to Cost Of Living.
  • The Government, Brexit, Deficit Spending and Debt Ceiling.
  • The Hidden Secrets Of Money – Mike Maloney.
  • Financial Difficulty.
  • Useful Links.
  • Final Thoughts From The Editor.
  • About The Author.
  • Possible Solutions – Start A Business.
  • Start A Second Income – Start a Business.
  • Disability Support.
Keep your business moving forward

In The News.

According to Rachel Mclean Minister stated people struggling with bills should ‘work more hours or move to better-paid job’.

Ms. Maclean said: “Over the long term we need to have a plan to grow the economy and make sure that people are able to protect themselves better – whether that is by taking on more hours or moving to a better-paid job and these are long-term actions but that’s what we’re focused on as a government.”

https://inews.co.uk/news/ost-of-living-minister-rachel-maclean-struggling-bills-work-more-hours-better-paid-job-1631987

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-61478541

Firstly not all employers have the budgets to give extra hours.

Secondly, if it was so easy to get a job everyone would be doing it and we would not have so many people unemployed.

Thirdly the average salary for the average U.K. full-time worker as reported by the ONS equates to £31,772 over the year. However this may be an average yet there are many jobs that pay the National Minimum Wage based on 40 hours working week at the national minimum wage of for example £9.18, which equates to £17,625 before tax and NI.

https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours

23 and over21 to 2218 to 20Under 18Apprentice
April 2022£9.50£9.18£6.83£4.81£4.81
National Minimum Wage.

AVERAGE UK SALARY & OVERHEADS


🏠Rent/mortgage payment – £1,060

⚡️The average energy bill in 2021 was £95 per month but, based on our average family using an average amount of energy, this will rise to £153 per month.

📈Council tax payment – £189

💧 £56 for water.

💻Broadband inc television and landline average £80 per month.

📱Phone bills are £45.00 per month each.

🚝 Average commute would cost them £288 per month.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Childcare costs have risen to £1303 with one child in nursery full time and the other in breakfast club.

🥘Feeding the family costs on average £424 a month.

Total Overheads: £3,598 x 12 month = £43,176.

Credit: Claire Wilson Recruitment and Careers Qualified Journalist | Early careers expert at Prospects, the UK’s No 1 graduate careers website|

SELF EMPLOYED ON A LOW INCOME:

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The Self Employed With a Handful of Jobs With Zero Profit:

Incomings (Excluding Business Overheads) Per Month:

£00.00 Business Profit

£590 Housing Benefit

£400 Working Tax Credits

£240 Personal Independence Payment

Total £1230

Outgoings Per Month:

£655 Rent

£262 Utility Bills (Water. Gas Elec)

£80 Telephone & Broadband (Without Broadband I cannot work)

£200 Food

£91 Insurance

Total Per Month £1288 (Do The Maths).

Reasons Why Rachel Mclean Minister Does Not Have A Clue:

  • Getting another job may be in breach of the contract of the current employer.
  • Tax Implications.
  • The unemployed who cannot find work (so how is someone in employment going to find work so easily?
  • People with disabilities who cannot work? How are they supposed to live?
  • Disabled People in Employment? Disabled people find it more difficult to get work because even though we are supposed to live in a non-discrimination society, a person for example with OCD who has to wear latex gloves to touch things won’t be hired to represent a brand on a high street shop or may feel uncomfortable working in an office environment being the odd one out. Ask yourself this question how many people do you see working who have wheelchairs? Businesses with no wheelchair access are not going to go out of their way to build ramps and fit disability equipment unless that person they were hiring was worth more than his/her weight in gold.
  • Self Employed on low incomes as they struggle to get more business?
  • People with children, so are you supposed to get a second job so that you can pay for childcare to look after your kids whilst you are at work? (getting a stranger to bring your child up, I have never got my head around this unless you earn a lot of money and your career is very important to you).
  • Not all households have two incomes some people live on their own and only have one income.

Mental Health and Low-Income Families.

This affecting people’s mental health with the Governments and the Banks playing God with your prosperity? Lee Anderson, Conservative MP for Ashfield, said in the House of Commons that meals could be cooked for as little as 30p a day. (You can’t even buy ramen noodles for 30p) I suppose if you had eggs and toast or jam sandwiches every day that may bring the shopping bill down, but who wants to eat toast and eggs every day?

Let’s be hypothetical here:

2 Dozen Eggs: £4.00

2 Loaves of Bread £2.40

Butter or Spread £2.00

Total Price of Groceries: £8.40 divided by 7 days = £1.20 a day

I suppose if you ate one egg a day (after all we can’t be greedy) it would bring the cost down by £2.00 which would mean your daily food bill would be 91p per day.

I am sure health professionals would be falling over themselves saying how unhealthy this would be.

But who on earth wants to live like this? This affects a person’s quality of life never mind their mental state. It’s humiliating and downright cruel. No one should be made to starve to fit in with the Government agenda.

The government needs to get its house in order before palming off its problems on the public.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-61429268

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/may/16/cost-of-living-crisis-immediate-support-from-sunak-a-moral-imperative-cbi

Mental Health

The cost of living crisis is affecting the nation’s mental health and the already vulnerable mind.

Sarb Bajwa, CEO of the BPS (The British Psychology Society) said:

“The absence of measures to support the most vulnerable is glaring, and many families will be swept into poverty over the coming months, as they struggle to pay their bills and put food on the table. The mental health impacts of this are severe – we know that the stress of raising a family in poverty can have huge ramifications on parents’ and children’s mental health and that poverty is one of the major risk factors for the development of mental and physical health problems“.

https://www.bps.org.uk/news-and-policy/bps-responds-spring-statement-warning-escalating-cost-living-crisis-will-have-long

Suicide Due To Cost Of Living.

A Sheffield Labour MP said some people in his constituency have attempted suicide in response to the rising cost of living. Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central, said: “I spent yesterday morning at a crisis meeting in a part of my constituency where incomes are lowest. And we were looking at the way in which the cost-of-living crisis we’re facing was impacting people”.

https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/politics/people-in-sheffield-attempting-suicide-over-cost-of-living-crisis-says-city-mp-3698164

Approximately 75% of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where rates of poverty are high.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454768/

The Government, Brexit, Debt Ceiling & Deficit Spending.

Debt Ceiling

The debt ceiling is the maximum amount that the U.S. government can borrow by issuing bonds. When the debt ceiling is reached, the Treasury Department must find other ways to pay expenses. Otherwise, there is a risk the U.S. will default on its debt.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_debt_ceiling

Deficit Spending

Deficit spending occurs when purchases exceed income. It happens to individuals and businesses, but it usually refers to governments.

https://www.thebalance.com/deficit-spending-causes-why-it-s-out-of-control-3306289

Brexit

In other words, because the UK left the EU, the Brexit Divorce Bill in July 2021, was estimated at £40.8bn but Downing Street insisted the figure was between £35bn and £39bn. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/51110096 we now have a crisis on our hands. The Government needs to find the money to pay the EU. Goods and services are now subject to tariffs, increasing the cost of raw materials into Britain and finished products out.

https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/economics/brexit/

Therefore who is paying for this if not the British Public?

You would not allow the public to make decisions about what goes on in your business especially if they had no clue about accounting and budgets?

The same should be said how can you allow a country to vote if they have no clue about economics and have not got an ounce of politics in their body?

If I was in power I would make everyone do an IQ Test and the ones that scored higher could only vote.

https://www.mensa.org/public/mensa-iq-challenge

You allow uneducated people to vote just so you can win the game of numbers and now look at the state of the country which is now left in turmoil.

The Hidden Secrets of Money – Mike Maloney

Financial Difficulty

Depending on your location Country/Town/City there may be emergency grants available. For Cardiff for example if are experiencing severe financial hardship you may wish to make a claim to the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) | GOV.WALES

Useful Links

Final Thoughts From The Editor.

The governments have overspent and people and businesses too. So what does that mean in the long run for the British Public? For starters, the cost of living has to be increased to pay back the debts that have accumulated and forces people to borrow even more money. For every pound/dollar borrowed you have to pay interest which is fiat currency to the banks and that is how the monetary system revolves.

If the Government and Politicians are so quick to give advice why don’t they swap places with people living on the poverty line, if one is born with silver spoons in their mouths they will never grasp how the other half lives and it is easy to dish out advice if you have never experienced life, where you have to worry where your next meal is going to come from.

It is easy to pass judgment whilst hosting wine and cheese parties and decorating walls with gold wallpaper at a cost of £840 per roll?

It’s easy to say find a job when businesses are not hiring and do not want to spend.

All businesses are tightening their reigns on their spending, so the chances of a pay rise or an increase in hours are going to be slim.

What happened to all the money that was confiscated from the Oligarchs and all their assets? (is it all just smoke and mirrors simply to confuse everyone so that they do not find out what is really going on?). Why can’t the assets be sold off to pay off the national debt?

  • Why are the owners at the Federal Reserve getting a 6% commission, why can’t they reduce their cut to 1%; and the rest of the money sent back into the system? (It’s not as if they can take all the money with them when they die).
  • Why are they hoarding this wealth?
  • Why can’t the Millionaires, Billionaires have a wage cap on how much they own, and the rest gets put back to help pay off the national debt.
  • Why do low-income families have to be punished at the expense of the privileged and wealthy politicians?
  • Why can’t we all live in harmony and stop being so God Damm Greedy?
  • What about the people that are disabled are they just thrown to the dogs?
  • Why are people suffering to the point it affects their mental health?
  • How many people have to die at the expense of the powers that be?
  • People who have got themselves into debt due to price hikes of utility bills should have the debt spread over a term of 3-5 years.
  • Utility companies should not make people feel like 💩 and be belittling and humiliating.
  • Creditors should not hound the vulnerable, by phoning or texting several times a day (it is called harassment). If a person has admitted hardship the creditor should put a halt on payments overdue and even come to some arrangement to pay back in affordable monthly payments rather than making a person feel emotionally and mentally unwell. (£40 x 60 months = £2,400) It is better to get something back than nothing at all. The same goes with Utility companies do not force people into corners as you never know what they might do.

About The Author.

  • I am an advocate for mental health and poverty. I write about Disabilities, Business, Politics, and Finance.
  • I have Disabilities.
  • I write in my Online Journals where I share my articles with my network of nearly 11K connections on LinkedIn and on Social Media Platforms, Groups, and Pages.

If I can help just one person, I know I am making a difference one step at a time.

The more people stand up and express their dissatisfaction with how they are being treated eventually something will change.

Possible Solutions – Start a Business.

The Governments instead of throwing spanners in the work with their lame solutions; instead they should encourage people to set up their own businesses and start a second income. Anyone and everyone can start a business and the possibilities are endless.

I can help you start up a second income and offer free advice and support.

domain names IONOS - Official Partner Keep your business moving forward Generate Instant Publicity! 24-7PressRelease.com

Disability Support.

The other thing that has been brought to my attention is how cost-cutting the government is with benefits, robbing Peter to pay Paul so to speak, by taking away simple necessities from the already high risk and vulnerable people to pay for their spending on Wars and their own agendas, they are doing the classic “Daniel Blake” scenario.

My daughter has MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and has a Cardiff Bus Concessionary Travel Card, have now said she will not renew her card even though she already was awarded the card; unless she gets the new updated PIP award letter that is still being processed. She has been given a deadline to produce the letter within the next eight weeks which PIP have said they will not be able to do. If people have a long-term illness they should not be expected to jump through hoops to prove they are ill. They should have evidence from health care professionals and should not be expected to perform like performing seals.

As it happens my daughter is going to have treatment again in the next few weeks because she has relapsed and her MRI scan showed new lesions. The powers that be should not be adding more stress to people who are ill that have corroborating evidence.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/sep/11/i-daniel-blake-ken-loach-director-film-movie-benefits-system

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/real-life-daniel-blake-who-11881128

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I,_Daniel_Blake

If you found this article interesting and useful please take the time to share it with your friends, families, and colleagues. Don’t forget to use the links throughout this article and last but not least please consider buying me a cup of coffee. Some of the National newspapers are using paywalls which is annoying so we will continue providing free content, without forcing people to subscribe to read the full articles.

Donation

#costofliving #mentalhealth #disabilities #finiancialdifficulty #pricehikes #poverty #brexit #deficitspending #debtceiling #nationaldebt #suicideduetocostofliving

Disability UK New Brand Name.

www.disabilityuk.co.uk

Disability UK.

I am pleased to announce I have secured the shorter version of the “Disabled Entrepreneur” Domain Name. I found when I spoke to people I found that a lot could not spell correctly the word “entrepreneur“, thus I had to think of a new more memorable shorter keyword “Disability UK” and I have finally forwarded my new domain to this site today.

My rebranding marketing strategy was to create a new name, logo, concept combination for my already established brand with the intention of developing a new identity in the minds of my readers.

#disabilityuk #disabledentrepreneur #disabilities #disabled

Christmas Mental Health 2021 – Part II

Finally, Christmas is nearly over, thank God for that…

I am fed up with seeing how happy people are flaunting their Christmas gatherings to the world that may make other people who find Christmas difficult this time of year, very daunting.

Don’t get me wrong, I am happy for everyone who can enjoy Christmas but to flaunt it around people who are not so fortunate to spend Christmas with their loved ones is sinful and conceited.

The same goes with people showing off how much money they have or being judgemental because they have a house but in reality, it is mortgaged up to the hilt. Nine times out of ten people wearing designer clothes are not as rich as they make out.

I for one own multiple digital real estate but for the ordinary person this may not be something they understand. Not everyone knows the value of domain names and the equity that may hold.

Regardless of whether it is a bricks-and-mortar property or a digital asset, it is still deemed to have value and people need to educate themselves before casting judgment.

As for Christmas, I am fed up with people asking me what I did and who I spent it with. I did “Jack Diddly Squat” for Christmas because I do not celebrate it anymore, what is there to celebrate when both my parents and my brother are no longer alive?

Christmas Day is just another day. For me, I stayed home alone over Christmas as my daughter stayed over with her boyfriend’s family but that was fine with me because I took advantage of the time to relax.

I must admit my Christmas did not go without a hitch and was stressful because of a couple of incidents with Amazon delivery and yesterday’s fiasco where my bath had sprung a leak and flooded my neighbor’s ceiling.

I ended up having a full-on panic attack and could not stop the water from pouring because my bath was not holding in the water and apparently as I found out today the silver part of the drain had come loose which caused water to not empty through the waste pipe but directly onto the floorboards and onto my neighbor’s ceiling, as you can see by the video.

Next Door Neighbours Flat Below Me!

So as you can imagine it took its toll on my health yesterday to the point that after the contractor left today, I ended up falling asleep for a good few hours during the day which is unusual for me as I never do that.

With this said, I spoke to someone today about my health and it seems that no matter what I say it goes over people’s heads.

I stated I have a problem with social disconnection and also problems walking because of my bad knee and it is as if they cannot comprehend that I cannot walk far because I am not on crutches or do not have a walking stick.

I stated, after a couple of times coming up and down my stairs, my knee gets painful and swells and this is what the person said to me and I quote “It will be nice to walk around the park and get some fresh air“. My response online to this is “did they not hear what I said I cannot walk far“, and how is walking around the park going to benefit me in any way?, what about the time I would have to take off from my work?

You would not expect any successful entrepreneur to put their businesses on hold for leisurely strolls.

I have four businesses, I am worth a lot of money on paper and no one is going to get in between.

Another thing people do not understand if they have never run a business before is that a self-employed person’s income is not guaranteed, they have to work ten times harder than an employee to find leads and keep them. An employee takes their wages for granted as it is a secure income for them for the duration they work for a company. However, with the uncertainty of the high street and hospitality sector and business closures because of the pandemic, an entrepreneur has to do everything they can to secure their business and make it run smoothly, never mind make sure their clients pay them on time. Running a business is not a walk in the park.

I also stated about social disconnection and also the fact I cannot walk very far, this did not comprehend with this person. Not only that, I picked up on some mockery when I laughed about something I said (and the person in the background thought they were being clever and funny by mimicking my laugh, repeating the tone of my laugh), which I purposely ignored but will not forget.

If I want to have fresh air I simply have to open my front door or buy oxygen in a can.

I do not take kindly to people being ignorant and pretending to be my friend just so that they can gossip about me after. I have never been bosom pals with this person even though I have known them for over 20 years, my gut feeling tells me they are false and think highly of themselves.

Furthermore, I know I do not live in a palace at the moment, granted, but trying to imply that they somehow are more superior to me because their property is a mortgaged new build and mine is falling apart rented Listed Georgian House, they do not have the right to be judgemental as they do not know my circumstances and I should not have to explain myself to them.

I was told I could phone them anytime for a chat. I understand they may have had good intentions when saying that but I have nothing in common with them, what exactly would we be chatting about, they are not on the same page as me and never will be? If I need mental health support I have my useful links page to fall back on.

With social disconnection, people like myself do not need other people in their lives and do not like socializing. It is not due entirely to the fact of mental health issues with me it is more so I chose who I wish to spend company with and I am 100% focused on my work. Granted I am wary of intermingling with people because of the pandemic, but I am much happier not being around people physically, I much rather connect with people online.

According to statistics social isolation or disconnection significantly increase a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Social isolation is associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia because people’s brains are not as active if they stay at home, where loneliness and boredom kick in.

The above statement I agree to disagree. I choose the company I keep and I am extremely active online, so I am keeping my brain working. I do not smoke and will not say I am obese, perhaps slightly overweight. But again I can always do exercise at home if I really wanted to.

I am always learning and people seem to underestimate me by trying to be do-gooders. I would not have been able to build four businesses for myself and multiple businesses for other people if I was short of a shilling or two.

For me I find writing therapy and learning new things, I love reading and watching documentaries. I always keep myself busy. I am currently researching neuroplasticity, neuroscience, and quantum physics. I have recently completed a course on hypnotherapy and plan to take on more courses in the New Year.

If you found this article insightful please take a moment to either comment, share, or subscribe.

#christmasmentalhealth #christmas #mentalhealth #covid #panedmic #socialdisconnection #disabledentrepreneur #selfemployed

Disability UK Rebranding.

Disability UK Journal Rebranding.

We have officially rebranded ourselves and will be known as the shorter version “Disability UK”. We are keeping the same structure and the domain name www.disabilityuk.co.uk now forwards to www.disabledentrepreneur.uk which was long and hard to spell.

#disabilityuk #disabledentrepreneur #disabilities #mentalhealth #physicaldisabilities #mentaldisabilites