Around two years ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Like many people, I didn’t recognise the signs in myself for a long time. Once I did, it was as though I could finally see the patterns that had shaped how I worked and lived. I realised that, unknowingly, I’d often held myself back, not through lack of ambition or drive, but because I hadn’t understood how some of my traits showed up in daily life and business.
What followed was a turning point, particularly after I was introduced to the Access to Work scheme. It’s something I hadn’t heard of before, and I now find myself mentioning it to others at every opportunity because of how valuable it’s been.
What is the Access to Work scheme?
Access to Work is a government programme that provides support to people with a physical or mental health condition or disability that affects how they work. This can include funding for equipment, support workers, coaching, and other reasonable adjustments. For entrepreneurs and business owners like me, it can be genuinely transformative.
You can learn more about the scheme and start your application here: Access to Work Application Form
How a virtual assistant has supported me
Through the scheme, I was able to secure funding for a virtual assistant. At Lily Shippen, we work with incredible, experienced self-employed VAs, and I can say with absolute confidence that having that support has helped me enormously.
One of the things I’ve discovered about myself is that I tend to change how I work regularly. Systems, processes, and preferences can shift week by week. While that flexibility can sometimes be useful, it also creates challenges not just for me, but for anyone working with me.
Finding the right virtual assistant has made a huge difference. It took time and honesty from both sides to develop a way of working that suits us, but we got there. Together, we created a structure that supports my working style while maintaining consistency. It's helped me stay on track, be more productive, and reduce the frustration that can come with changing routines.
Another major breakthrough has been understanding how I absorb information. What works for someone else might not work for me, and vice versa. My VA and I have spent time exploring the best ways for me to receive updates, manage tasks, and stay organised. That clarity has been invaluable.
If you're facing similar challenges, you're not alone
Before my diagnosis, I often felt overwhelmed without knowing why. Looking back, I can see just how much clarity and support have helped. If you’re running a business and some of this sounds familiar, I strongly recommend exploring the Access to Work scheme. It could give you access to support that allows you to thrive, not just cope.
And if you're considering working with a virtual assistant, I’d be more than happy to share how I found a way of working that suits me. It’s taken time, but it’s possible, and the right support can make all the difference.
At Lily Shippen, our VA division connects clients with skilled, self-employed virtual assistants. We tailor every match with care, starting with an in-depth call to understand what each client needs.
If you'd like to explore how a virtual assistant could help you, or want to talk more about how Access to Work might support your business journey, I'm here to help.
