Living with a long-term health condition affects all aspects of a person’s life. As well as dealing with disabling physical symptoms, they may also have to contend with loneliness and isolation, financial strain from the loss of work and profound gaps in social support, and stigma and hostility due to outdated stereotypes about their diagnosis.
Many long-term health conditions are characterised by energy impairment, post-exertional malaise, and chronic pain. Not everybody with these symptoms is well enough to work, and we firmly believe that nobody should ever be forced into unsuitable employment at detriment to their physical or mental wellbeing. However, millions of people with such conditions want to work, and are actively seeking inclusive opportunities to showcase their skills.