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NSHN Forum Support & On Topic Forums. Some additional boards are viewable to members only => Survivor Room => Topic started by: Vermilion on November 02, 2017, 09:39:19 PM

Title: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on November 02, 2017, 09:39:19 PM
So I've had my PIP assessment with Capita (I don't want to say exactly where because I don't want to risk being identified). The main reason for my claim was for my social anxiety/difficulty getting outside/using public transport and also for the depression side for the days when I can't get out of bed.
I took 2 family members into the assessment and recorded it, if you want to record it it has to be on a CD or cassette tape (dead formats huh!) and you can't use tablets/laptops/phones etc, it has to be a recorder only. You also have provide the assessor with a copy at the end of your assessment. It's best to let them know a few daus beforehand too.
Obviously I was extremely distressed because talking to a stranger is extremely difficult for me and I was shaking and found it difficult to breathe and kept having to take my inhaler. Not an easy experience.
The assessment itself wasn't as bad as I expected. She asked about how I manage to do daily things such as getting dressed/showered, getting about, using public transport, how I manage my diabetes care and my medication and how often I struggle with these. I explained that it's variable and that seemed to be OK. She did ask about SH but it wasn't too detailed, just asked what methods I use, how often it happens and whether I need medical attention or not. She also asked about SUI thoughts and this wasn't too detailed, she didn't as about specific plans or details of previous attempts, just how often I get them and how I deal with them. She asked about the treatment plan, how often I see the doctor, am I under the MH teams, am I on medication for my MH and at what doses.
Not a pleasant experience but it could have been much worse. I've heard a lot of horror stories about these assessments and thankfully mine wasn't too bad, it seemed to go as well as these assessments can go. I don't know if they were nicer because I had people supporting me and because I recorded the assessment, that is a possibility. I don't know what the outcome will be yet though...

I was extremely stressed about this assessment and it caused me to do quite a bit of harm to myself but I  hope my experience helps to reassure others.  :).
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on November 02, 2017, 10:25:49 PM
I am happy that it wasn't too bad for you. Well done for going.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on November 05, 2017, 12:23:19 PM
Thanks. I hope that this post will help others.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on February 08, 2018, 11:27:42 AM
It seems that they're liars; most of what they said is bullsh** and other symptoms have been downplayed. Do not trust them. The are sneaky liars who crap on the vulnerable on behalf of the government.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on February 08, 2018, 12:07:16 PM
Oh no. I am sorry that things went badly for you.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on February 08, 2018, 07:07:34 PM
It confirms what I've known all along; society doesn't give a sh** about people like me. I'm top chaotic to work but can't get support, be it financial or otherwise. There is no place for me, I do not belong in this world.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on February 08, 2018, 07:09:31 PM
You are a lovely person and you do belong in this world.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on February 09, 2018, 11:15:00 AM
I really don't think so. I've written before about how society doesn't give a sh** and wants people like me gone and this is just more proof of what I've known all along. The things that I struggle with are not a big deal and because I still try and do small things they use it against me. Perhaps they are right do so.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on February 09, 2018, 03:42:30 PM
 :hug2:
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on April 04, 2018, 10:59:27 AM
I've had the appeal pack back.

I was assessed by a paramedic so I guess there won't be much understanding about MH, but that sums up the attitudes of society in general.

I'm mostly claiming for mobility because I can't use public transport or drive because my anxiety is so bad. She wrote that I only need prompting but I can't do it at all, even a car journey with my family is really difficult. I just want a little extra money to pay for taxis and petrol money for people who come up to help me get to appts/shopping etc. I'm doubting my entitlement now though.

The DWP response accused me of exaggerating and they made it clear that they 'oppose this appeal'. I feel really sh** about myself tbh.

 (Though it's with a very small grin that I remember  that the letters DWP also spell the welsh word for stupid...)

Some other things were downplayed too. I'll post more another time because I'm starting to get a bit upset and anxious now. Going through the form is really difficult.  :(
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on April 04, 2018, 11:02:31 AM
It sounds really difficult. Bless you. I am sorry they are being somawful to you.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on June 26, 2018, 11:00:23 AM
Appeal is next month. Crap, I'm f*****g scared. I'm starting to panic, I can't do it.  :no:

They'll think I'm lying. What if they turn me down? I'll feel like a t*** if I'm not entitled after all this.

I've been trying to get better by not thinking about this stuff, reading back through the paperwork is really triggering and now I have to read it again. This is one hell of a knock back, I've not harmed or binged for several days but now....? How else can I cope with these feelings!? I'll try not to but it might happen anyway, I can't always control it.

It's in the crowded city, in a building I've never been to and I have to talk about personal things with people that I don't know. I can't do it. :no: :no:

Crap crap crap crap. I'm overwhelmed again. I can't think because my head us too full of noise. I don't know what to do, I don't think I can do this.  :'(
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on June 26, 2018, 12:12:49 PM
Have you got somebody to go with you?
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on June 26, 2018, 07:20:55 PM
Yeah, my family are going with me and the CAB will be helping with the process. I'm still scared out of my mind though, I've got to talk about SH in front of strangers, not to mention the other emabrassing stuff. The city is crowded and it's such a big place and easy to get lost. I don't know how I'll cope with the noise and people.  :no:
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on June 26, 2018, 07:36:18 PM
It is a big thing. Having support with you does help though.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Lorien on June 26, 2018, 08:07:26 PM
Can you go with someone to the place on a not busy day as a practice? Maybe a week day late morning? Then have something planned to help you relax. Sometimes I find that helps me mentally prepare because there is less to think about.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on June 27, 2018, 12:13:09 PM
That's a good idea. I'll try but the place is far away. The CAB are helping me prepare too so at least I'll have a better idea of the process. This is horrible :(.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on June 27, 2018, 03:45:59 PM
I am sorry it is so horrible. Wish I could make it better for you.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on June 30, 2018, 01:40:49 PM
I've barely been able to look at the form, it's triggering and just downright embarrassing. My anxiety is getting worse again (I'll post more in my other thread). These things are supposed to be confidential but I have to talk about it with the CAB and then at a tribunal, I basically have to go to court. I feel like a criminal whose being put on trial by this nasty government who are against me. They and their minions at Crapita/ATOS are heartless cold and calculating psychopaths, they don't care about anyone other than themselves and will harm anyone who gets in their way- that is what a psychopath is.  :ranting11:

*rant over*

Anyway, I have an appt soon with the CAB, my mam is coming to support me and helping with the cost of taxis there and back. It's on my mind constantly, I've been making progress and this is undoing it. Even though my family support me this is very stressful, I'm feeling so overwhelmed again  :'(.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on June 30, 2018, 02:59:56 PM
It is an overwhelming process unfortunately. Nobody should have to go through it.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on July 23, 2018, 06:41:52 PM
I won the appeal :).

It was quite informal but because it was in the Court's we did go through a metal detector and our bags we're briefly checked. We were sat at a table and I was assessed by a social worker, a judge and a doctor and it took about 30mins. So screw you Crapita/DWP, I won in the end! The 'award' is for two years.

I'm glad it's over though, I'm going to use my back payments to pay for some therapy (I'll post more in my private thread).
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on July 23, 2018, 07:06:05 PM
Wow that is great. It is fantastic. Bless you.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Rob on July 23, 2018, 07:39:16 PM
 :rock:

Pity Crapita aren't charged for the social worker / judge & doctor's time - it might help them assess people properly first time around.  :-X
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on July 23, 2018, 07:54:31 PM
I not happy with crapita.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on July 23, 2018, 10:25:24 PM
Thank you for the support.  :hug1:

I'm not happy with Crapita either, I know that I got there in the end but people shouldn't have to go through this to get what they're entitled to. I have literal scars from the process and it's made my MH a lot worse. Maybe if they had qualified people doing these assessments in the first place people wouldn't have to go through this. I was assessed by a paramedic for MH problems... Surely a psych or a MH nurse would have been more appropriate? The govt tried to save money but it's costing them way more in the long run with all of the appeals, which are won around 70% if the time. The system is an utter failure.
 I'm angry not just about my own experience but on behalf of all disabled people who go through this, it's disgusting  :>:(:.

Don't give up Tucan, I know it's hard but we can't let them win.  :hug2:
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on July 23, 2018, 10:48:04 PM
I am tempted to give up the fight. But I have help and shall keep going.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on July 23, 2018, 11:05:57 PM
I nearly did the same, it's hard to fight when you have MH problems. There were several occasions when I wanted to crap out and I didn't think I'd actually win the appeal. I won in the end and I think you'll win because you need a lot more help than I do so you'll probably get the higher rates. Maybe if enough people fight, they'll change the system.  :hug1: :hug2:
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on July 24, 2018, 09:36:51 AM
Bless you. It is easy to give up.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: terrified heart on July 24, 2018, 04:28:44 PM
Oh Vermilion I知 so pleased common sense and justice prevailed. The system is beyond messed up. I知 so glad you managed to keep going with the appeal. I知 pretty sure I値l have to go through this soon (I知 still on DLA, just waiting for the PIP switch).

Good luck with arranging some therapy. I hope this marks the start of some positive changes for you now xx
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on July 24, 2018, 08:29:28 PM
Good luck with the change from DLA to pip.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Vermilion on July 25, 2018, 06:57:02 PM
I hope it easier for you than it was for me TH! The best thing to do is get the CAB involved, I wouldn't have got there without them.
It took about 9 months to get what I'm entitled to, it's not fair on people. At least I can now put it behind me.
Title: Re: My experience of the Capita PIP assessment **Mentions SH/SUI**
Post by: Tucan on July 25, 2018, 09:16:01 PM
It does take a while. I was warned that it could take up to a year.