@john74I spent a long time is the exact same position John. It's soul destroying enough without all the stigma attached. It doesn't help that the government at times can add to this making you feel even more worthless for being unemployed. The amount you get paid while unemployed can be a massive barrier in itself.
I will start by saying use the job providers and for any resources and help they may provide, but don't expect any really help from them. If you get real lucky, you may get someone who can really help, but they're rare because they don't seem to stay in those jobs very long before moving on. I was using a disability provider as well, and it wasn't any better than the standard provider.
I started to work my way out of it by doing volunteer work at a local community centre. This gave my social connection and most importantly a feeling of satisfaction that I was doing something to help the community, plus it looks much better on a resume than nothing. Obviously age and having health barriers makes it even harder to get someone to take you on. Before I got on the DSP earlier in the year, I was 50 in my early 50s, had health issues the limited what I could do and had been unemployed for a while... it's really hard to get anyone to take you on. I even had an interview in a computer repair store... something I could do with my eyes closed and both hands behind my back. My resume reflected this and is probably the reason I got an interview. The main reason was probably the huge wage subsidy I would have attracted for a few months being with a disability provider. The interview was a group one with 3 other... let's call them children. Guess who they went with? I'll give you a clue... they weren't even halfway to being in their 50s! It's hard out there, I try not to take it as personal, or a failure of mine, just the way the job market is now. Experience and knowledge don't seem to count for much anymore.
So keep trying, try to find things to add to your resume. If you're not getting interviews, look at updating your resume. Even looking on online study to add to your resume may help as it shows willingness and determination. Tweak your resume to make it relevant for each job you apply for. You may be better served by a resume listing achievements and outcomes with past positions rather than duties. In your cover letter don't forget to address the employment gap... it will be noticed so you need to address it. This is where volunteering, study can help a lot. Anything you've done that has taught you things or given you experience in anything.
Try to network and get to know people in the area, ask around if there are any jobs. The next time one comes up, they may thing of you. Note that I hat that networking stuff so have never done it because it's just not something i'm comfortable or confident with, but everyone des recommend it so it may be more your thing than mine.
Good luck John, I wish you all the best and hope you find something soon.
