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What is self-directed Support?

Self-directed Support is about giving People more choice and control over how their support services are designed and making sure they receive support that meets their needs.

It allows people to choose how their support is provided to them by giving them as much ongoing control as they want over the money spent on their support.

What does this mean to me?

SDS gives you and your family more choice and control over your care and we will work with you to create a flexible and individual care package that meet your needs.

This means we will:

• discuss with you what you want from your life to find out what is important to you
• agree a support plan with you
• review the plan with you every year to make sure it still suits your needs

Your support plan will be agreed and we will discuss the financial contribution you may be asked to make towards your care. You will also have the option on how to direct your care.

How do I use SDS?

If you have been assessed as being eligible for certain support needs, you will have four options on how to receive services through SDS:

1. A direct payment that you can use to organise and pay for your own support
2. We can make the arrangements for your the support you have chosen and, if it is provided by someone other than us, we will pay the relevant contribution. 
3. We can choose the best support for you, make the arrangements to set it up and if it is provided by someone other than us, will pay the relevant contribution
4. A combination of the above.

What can I use SDS for?

Self-Directed Support can be used in many ways. You can get support to live in your own home, such as help with having a bath or getting washed and dressed.

Out of the home it could support you to go to college, to continue in employment or take a job, or to enjoy leisure pursuits more. Instead of relying on the activities run at a day centre, you might arrange for a personal assistant (PA) to help you attend local classes, go swimming, or be a volunteer helping others. It could also be used to provide respite or for equipment and temporary adaptations

You can choose whether you would prefer to get support from a service provider such as a voluntary organisation or care agency, or by employing PAs, or a combination of both.

Further information

Any Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns about SDS, there are several ways you can get in touch with us:
Email us
Phone us on 01546 605517