Why young widows are treated so different 2 anyone else

That's terrible Bex. I can't believe that you would be exempt from benefits as a widow. Is it not means tested like other benefits are? Have you tried approaching any colleges direct?

What I find infuriating is that you are trying to enrol on a course that has the potential to equip you with a skill that you can turn into a business and yet you are being marginalised. I agree with frenchwoodgirl approach the colleges directly and explain your circumstances. Some colleges have a fund that they can utilise to offer assistance to students. Just don't give up!

That is horrible. Sorry to hear that. They say the government is working on eradicating unfair means and treating different circumstances in different manners. It annoys me (as I'm sure it does you too) that they have the cheek to say 'sorry I don't deal with widows'. That is putting a name on your current circumstance and it shouldn't be right. I would ask to speak to a supervisor at the job centre. Tell them how you feel you are being treated differently just because you are a 'young widow'.
I hope that you do find a job that suits you soon. =)

What appalling behaviour by the Job Centre employee. You really should complain about the treatment that you've had there. He probably meant that he has no idea what funding is available to you for the course that you want to do. I suggest that you go to your local Citizens Advice (look up in Yellow Pages or online) and discuss your situation and what you want to do. They should have knowledge of all of the possible grants that are available to you and will hopefully be more sympathetic than the job centre.

Bex, I'm sorry for your loss - words just can't make it better I know - and to be treated the way you have is unfair and demoralising. I used to work in Employment (not the jobcentre, although I have spent far too much time in them conducting interviews etc), I assume that you are signing on for Jobseeker allowance (if your not then you need to do so), speak to your advisor and ask them what help they can give you to get back into work, you could also try Working Links or Action 4 Employment - they have much more in the way of funds for helping unemployed people get access to training.

Speak to your local colleges, as someone else has already suggested, but also find out if they have a careers advisor that you could speak to - they will have lots of advice that might help you get your training (perhaps on the job with a beauty salon).

Check online for any free courses and training offered in your area, and look online for available government funding.

I hope that this helps your situation, and remember that above all you are a person.

So sorry to hear about your loss, and even worse that you are unable to get help because you are a widow. That shouldnt make any difference - as you are clearly trying to do something about getting a job etc. I hope you find something soon. Good luck.

Hi Bex, that's appalling! There are benefits available to widows which I assume you are receiving, if not, you may find these sites helpful...

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/benefits/benefits_and_bereavement.htm

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/international/benefits/bereavement-benefits-and-widows/

First of all I'm so sorry for your loss. Secondly I am disgusted and appalled by your treatment. Have you tried contacting colleges directly - they may have something in place to help financially?