Disabled woman feels stuck in trap of unemployment
SHE HAS TO DRIVE TO FIND WORK, BUT CAN’T AFFORD CAR
A DISABLED Derbyshire woman says she feels stuck in unemployment due to her mobility issues.
Ruth Spence, 32, from Kilburn near Belper, was diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome in October 2019, and says her condition limits her movement, meaning she cannot walk to a job.
Before her illness took hold, she worked at the currency exchange at East Midlands Airport, as well as a customs officer at DHL for two years.
Lately, Ruth has been relying on help from her friend, and de facto carer Anthony, who works full time himself.
But now she says she is struggling with public transport and needs her own car and driving lessons so that she can get a fulfilling job that provides her with mental stimulation and a decent income.
However, she cannot afford the driving lessons or a car that would increase her chances of finding a good enough job to enable her to run a car. She’s trapped in a classic Catch-22 situation.
Ruth said: “I’ve never been able to drive, and now I have to use a walking frame. This means public transport is difficult because it still involves walking and a lot of standing.
“I also live in Kilburn, which is not the easiest access point to get to places from. Anywhere is within walking distance, and then a bus. “I’d love it if there was Derby and Belper work available. But I’m limited to what I can do. I could do office work or another sit down job.”
Ruth added that stereotypes about disabled people having lots of money from benefits are wrong and, in desperation, she has been forced to set up a GoFundMe page.
She said: “I’m going to have to learn to drive, but benefits don’t give enough money. Prices are increasing, and first year insurance for a new driver is quite high.
“I’d love the money to pay my first year in one go. I’m also asking only for a cheap car, I’m not fussed. But it does need to be automatic because my legs can’t work the clutch.
“I did my latest PIP assessment during lockdown. I’m quite surprised that I didn’t get Motability allowance because of my limited mobility. I’m on the lower rate care component. That’s £247 a month on top of Universal Credit.
“People think we get a lot of money and we really don’t. We’re on the breadline like everyone else. Anthony doesn’t mind giving me the odd lift, but he’s not going to drive me back and forth to a job.
“I’m in a cycle. It’s not like me to ask for help, but I couldn’t see a way out of it.
“I want mental stimulation. I’m bored and don’t want to be sat on my bum at home. I want to work for my money.”
I’m in a cycle. It’s not like me to ask for help, but I couldn’t see a way out of it...I want to work for my money