Can I make myself redundant?

I am a freelance journalist of long-standing. Having been relatively successful until last May, I have recently earned very little money and am finding it hard to survive. I have applied for numerous jobs in PR and journalism but (a) I am in my early 50s and don't seem to be what people want and (b) media jobs have now virtually dried up in the Sussex area.

On the advice of an accountant I formed a limited company in July 07, although I should probably revert to sole trader now from a financial point of view. I am the director and the sole employee of my company - nobody else is involved. I am also single (with no dependents) and there is no other money coming into my household.

My question is this: in order to qualify for unemployment benefit and anything else that I'm eligible for, can I make myself redundant? I am at my tether's end trying to find work and need to make some major changes in my life but cannot do this without some kind of income. Please, somebody, let me know what my options are.
Thank you.

What did you do in the end??
I am in exactly the same situation as you. My accountant doesn't seem to have much of an idea either. I don't want to waste my time talking to HMRC, as it depends who you get on the other end...Oh dear, what to do???