UK: Astriid - a matchmaking service between the chronically ill and employers

[Andy]

Not a recommendation, I haven't used them and I don't know anybody who has, just thought that it might be of interest.

Astriid's mission is to help people with long-term conditions find meaningful work.

Founded by David Shutts OBE following his cancer diagnosis, we believe that the value of work is far more than the wages paid. Employment provides routine, a sense of normality, challenges and rewards, and when approached correctly, can also facilitate a greater sense of wellbeing.

Astriid helps bridge the gap between the Invisible Talent Pool (people who have long-term conditions but who wish to use their skills and experience in work), and the UK skills crisis. The platform matches talented candidates with prospective employers, providing accessible work opportunities for those who are seeking them. In this way, we hope to make the Invisible Talent Pool, Visible.

https://www.astriid.org.uk/s/about

FAQ available at https://www.astriid.org.uk/s/faq

 

[Invisible Woman]

I have a feeling that Miranda Hart mentioned them in one of her blogs as a charity she supported.

 

[ringding]

Action for ME have been publicising some of their events recently.

 

[Andy]

I've not watched this, so can't comment on the content.

Balancing Work with ME / CFS

In this video, experienced speakers are discussing various issues around living with ME/CFS and engaging with meaningful work.

We know first-hand that living with ME/CFS isn’t easy. Those with the condition face dozens of invisible challenges per day, particularly when it comes to employment. Whilst we know that not everyone living with the illness is looking for work, those who are looking for a job often struggle to find opportunities which are accommodating of their condition. Here at Astriid, we want to level the playing field.

In this webinar, we discuss various issues around working with ME/CFS. The team behind this event all have experience of this particular illness, and we invite you to listen to our honest and frank discussions about engaging with meaningful work.

During the 27 minute discussion, we cover:
Taking initial steps towards work and employment
Tips for identifying transferrable skills from previous experiences
Overcoming the unique obstacles that ME/CFS can present in employment
Applying illness management skills from everyday life to your career
Practical hints and tips for engaging with volunteering and work opportunities
… and plenty more, including our own personal stories.

https://youtu.be/MkjEb57x1OA

 

[MEMarge]

Thanks Andy, I did have time as back too naff to concentrate much.

It is based on views and comments of 3 people with ME who volunteer with Astriid, and some of their tips and advice.

Quite watchable, but probably not that relevant informative for majority of people here.

 

[Dolphin]

“What are energy limiting conditions? A guide for employees and their managers is a new resource, produced for Astriid charity. I hope it will be a gamechanger for unlocking conversations about health, disability and work, and lead to more people with chronic illness getting the support they need at work.”

continues at:
http://www.catherinehale.net/2024/02/what-are-energy-limiting-conditions.html?m=1

https://twitter.com/user/status/1759651061537583284

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

Do people think that this is a useful categorisation 'Energy-Limiting Conditions'?

It is not something I am aware of medical professionals talking about.

The net seems to be cast very wide - including about 7% of the population.

Is it helpful in terms of educating authorities about the nature of disability in ME to lump it in with rheumatoid, respiratory disease and so on?

 

[Kitty]

I found it useful at work, but people knew the background already.

There might be useful comparisons with some other chronic diseases, perhaps including some cases of MS, rheumatoid, FMS, post-treatment cancer fatigue, etc. Probably not respiratory diseases, that does seem a bit confusing.

It's useful for the bits that are especially difficult to understand, which include:

• the unpredictability—people can't be sure what tomorrow or next week will bring, and even with good management they can have flare-ups or go downhill;
• the fact that no real baseline exists, no matter how hard a manager wants to will one into existence to write it in an appraisal;
• the occasional negotiability, where someone stable may be able to increase their capacity for special events with enough preparation and recovery (but that doesn't mean they can guarantee to do it again for next year's festival week);
• people looking quite well even when they're not okay at all;
• above all, the fact that without accommodations, they may burn through a large proportion of their useful capacity in non-productive activities—maintaining exacting standards of appearance, travelling to workplaces, the imposition of inflexible schedules, having to walk repeatedly around large buildings, coping with noise and distraction, being expected to socialise on their breaks, not being allowed to manage their own time.