Access to Work

What is access to work?

Access to Work is a UK government scheme that can fund practical support for disabled and neurodivergent people to continue working, including those who are self-employed or running their own business.

For many neurodivergent founders, the challenge isn’t ideas or ambition, it’s the ongoing mental load of holding everything together.

Access to Work exists to reduce that load by funding support that makes work more sustainable.

This might be your first time hearing about it, that’s very common.

What Access to Work Can Fund:

Depending on your needs, Access to Work may fund a combination of supports, including:

  • A job aide, such as a Support Worker or Virtual Assistant

  • ADHD or executive-function coaching

  • Specialist equipment

  • Software, systems, or training

  • Transport or travel support

  • Other tailored workplace adjustments

The exact support is based on how your neurodivergence affects your work, not on a generic list.

For more information, visit the Access to Work website.

The Access to Work Application

Access to Work can be genuinely life-changing, but the process itself often isn’t built with neurodivergent brains in mind.

I support people through each stage by breaking things down, offering clarity, and helping hold the process when capacity
is low.

The stages & how I support

  • What happens here:

    You learn what Access to Work can fund, who it’s for, and whether it’s relevant to you as a founder, freelancer, or business owner.

    How I can support:

    • Explaining the scheme in plain language

    • Helping you understand what does and doesn’t apply to your situation

    • Answering questions without pressure to “decide” straight away

  • What happens here:

    Instead of guessing what you’re “allowed” to ask for, you reflect on:

    • where work feels hardest or most draining

    • what creates unnecessary mental load

    • what kind of support would make work more sustainable

    How I can support:

    • Helping you name challenges without minimising them

    • Translating lived experience into practical support needs

    • Thinking through options like virtual assistance, coaching, systems, or tools

  • What happens here:

    You gather the information needed to apply, including:

    • How your neurodivergence affects your work day-to-day

    • What support you’re requesting and why

    • Basic work and contact details

    How I can support:

    • Breaking this into manageable steps

    • Helping you find the words (especially if you struggle with self-advocacy)

    • Making sure you don’t understate your needs out of habit

    We go at your pace. Nothing needs to be done all at once.

  • What happens here:

    You apply online or by phone. After submitting, Access to Work may follow up with questions or arrange an assessment.

    How I can support:

    • Sitting alongside you while you apply

    • Helping you prepare for follow-up conversations

    • Supporting you to communicate clearly without over-explaining or masking

  • What happens here:

    If approved, you receive details of what’s funded and how to claim. This can sometimes feel confusing or admin-heavy.

    How I can support:

    • Helping you understand the award letter

    • Supporting you to set up systems for claims or ongoing support

    • Acting as part of the funded support if appropriate

Get in touch

If you’d like to talk through Access to Work or explore whether this kind of support would help you, get in touch.

Book a discovery call or fill out the form.

Book a Discovery Call