Scary time ahead..Atos phone call !

Hi


I suffer mental health problems.
Diagnosed by two doctors of having a 'personality disorder' then 'biopolar'..I guess biopolar IS a 'personality disorder!'
I have had this condition all my life and been deemed unfit for long term employment by my current doc for years. I received my phone call from ATOS,I had been ignoring the phone all day,but actually managed to pick the phone up and was told that I was to have a medical on 12th August,the date I agreed on. I am so scared that I will be forced to join the 'back to work group' because I may get 0 points.I have been following this site for some time,and have read some horrific stories about how very ill people have been treated. Mental health is not understood enough as it is, and then to have the undignified medical with ATOS..Well,I don't know if I will be able to even leave the house!! I cannot prevent any of my major bouts!!

This government just doesn't care, as it continues to ride rough shod over us all,just to save money!!! Any advise would be greatfully received by those who have been at the place where I am now and who have either failed on appeal or not. I so really need my cpn to come with me,but she is not very helpful as it is. Could I take a good friend along,or would that not carry any weight for my case? Do they have to be medically trained etc?

Thankyou for your time,and to all those who are still fighting their corner. Good luck

Juliette xxx

Hi Juliette

You are entitled to take anybody with you to the medical as an companion.

They do not have to have to be medically trained. They can attend purely as a companion and sit quietly, or if they know you well and can offer information to assist the disability analyst they can help you explain the effects of your disability. They will also be a useful witness of the face-to-face assessment should you need to appeal, but they cannot answer questions for you; the disability analyst will want to hear from you.

Hope this helps

Derek

Hi

I have to attend a medical. Did you mean avoid the medical on appeal?

Thanks

Juliette