No income and lots of bank charges

[pinkpoodle19]

I am 22 and have been unemployed since 6th January , I asked the job centre for help but they only offer careers advice if someone has signed on for 6 months or more. I haven't had any � yet as it is takin 6 weeks 2 process claims. I cancelled every direct debit I didn't need but I still have to pay my car insurance and installment off a loan I had to take out last year due to my overdraft being so high I couldn't get out of it. I know the reason I can't get a job is because I was signed off work for 6 months last year with serious depression and in this time I attempted suicide. When employers see I have a gap I think they just say no. I went to the bank to explain I couldn't keep paying these �30 charges as I had no income and the bank manager told me to borrow it from a friend or family member which I have been doing non stop so I owe them so much money. I was given a number to call at my bank where they will help u sort yourself out if you have money problems which I called up but because they helped me last year and gave me a loan they said they cannot do anything this time. I rang the bank crying my eyes out today as yet another charge had been taken and the man on the phone was really sympathetic but said there is nothing he can do. I don't know what else to do, citizens advice can't help me as they say it isn't a serious issue but I just feel so down it is making me ill, I am just being fobbed off everytime I ask for help. I really want a job but I seriously can't find one anywhere, no one will employ me because I was ill for six months. I heard the job centre can give you an advance on your benefits but when I ask about it they just make excuses and say my money should be with me soon. I have tried employment agencies but when they see my CV they just say that they have nothing for me.

[carrot99]

Pinkpoodle I feel really sorry for you, what a terrible situation to be in.

Post your question in the Law section and one of the legal folk may be able to advise you.

I do not understand how the CAB think it is not a serious issue. Your previous health problems alone make it serious. Don't forget your benefits should be with you in two weeks, so hold on.

[Sasha13]

Hi pinkpoodle19. I would suggest speaking to the CCCS - link here:

www.cccs.co.uk

They are brilliant and will help you with your immediate money worries. It's a charity and you don't have to pay them.

In terms of not being able to get a job - what type of jobs are you applying for? You should be able to get something even if it's only cleaning to start the cash coming in - in terms of the 6 months you had off, be open and honest with potential employers re this. Don't be tempted to hide it or not admit you had depression. Just tell them that it is sorted now and won't be a problem in future employment. Lots of luck! x

[msemma]

No knowledge how to help with debt side of things but with regard to applying for jobs, you should just be open about the reason why you have a gap in your employment, reputable employers would not see it as an issue. Try applying for places like supermarkets - and if you are ever expected to fill in a medical questionnaire DO NOT BE AFRAID TO STATE WHY YOU WERE OFF! You wil be both covering yourself and offering your employer the opportunity to offer any help in future. Depression can recur, but you must remember that major employers are aware of this. Like I said, go for employment with supermarkets, local authorities and suchlike who are liekly to have good sickness policies in place.
Hope things get sorted finance wise asap xxx

[Cheekystar]

Have your tried learn direct? they offer careers advice and depending on the area you live in there are often adult careers advisers who are link to Connexions / Careers offices.

Keep trying with your job hunting, look on career websites for more inspiration maybe jazz up your CV, or approach companies online. I know someone who was off with depression for 9 months, and that person applied using the cv to a local company and got the job. So it can happen.

Were you signed off work ill from your last employers? Where were you employed up until the 6th? On my CV I don't have the months of when I started work just the years, this is quite standard, and may help to avoid the gap.

Also contact mental health charites such as mind etc they should be able to offer you some support through this tough time, your not alone, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Sorry i can't help on the � front

[dmsymr]

Im sure you will find a job if you persevere, even if its a case of taking anything, ie packing/picking.
I would recommend you try www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk to claim back every penny the bank has charged you. check out hte website at least!
good luck