Self-directed support

Allowing people to be in control of the support they need to live their life how they choose is the focus of our self-directed support service. We support blind and partially sighted people to apply for a personal budget to spend on their social care needs as they choose.

What is self-directed support?

The government’s personalisation agenda is working to move the control of care into the hands of the people who ultimately need the support, so people can self-direct the support which they receive.

What is a personal budget?

The money normally spent by social services will now go straight to individuals as a personal budget to meet their care and support needs. The amount a person receives is based on a support needs assessment. Individuals with assessed eligible needs are offered a personal budget to allow for self-directed support.

What does Action do?

Our independent living coordinators can:

Provide support in the assessment process to determine eligibility.
Assist in determining individual needs.
Help to develop a detailed support plan.
Assist in helping individuals to manage their personal budget.
Research local service provision.
Support individuals in purchasing the necessary services.

What can I use my personal budget for?

Some examples of the support that you could access using a personal budget are:

Carers or personal assistants to help with everyday life such as cleaning, shopping, reading the post, travelling, or going out to restaurants and pubs, social events, and taking part in sports and leisure activities.
Support into work such as access to training.
Technology.
Assistive technology and equipment such as computers, scanners and CCTVs to help with using the internet, reading post, and keeping in contact with friends.
Home alterations.
For example improving lighting or painting door frames in contrasting colours to the walls so that they are easier to see.
Sighted guides.
Emotional support.

What does my local authority provide?

Authorities are presently at different stages implementing self-directed support and might operate slightly differently although the principles are the same.

By April 2011 at least 30% of people receiving support from social services are expected to be using the new self-directed support system and full roll out is expected by 2012.

Self-directed support aims to enable people to:

Live independently.
Live healthily.
Have maximum control in their life.
Maintain their family unit.
Participate in the community as an equal citizen.
Have the best quality of life irrespective of illness or disability.
Retain maximum dignity and respect.

We are working with a number of local authorities to develop personal budget models. We are currently running two pilot projects with London Borough of Newham and Nottingham City Council.

Where to get help

If you need advice about personal budgets then please contact your local Action team and they will put you in touch with someone who can help.

Contact your local Action team