WIREDGOV

One year of Self-directed Support

Self-directed Support (SDS) became law in Scotland one year ago, meaning that everyone who is eligible for social care now has a right to design their own support package.

Thousands of people are now able to take more control of their lives by choosing how they direct their support including receiving direct payments to employ their own support workers. Today marks the start of Self-directed Support Awareness Week, which will see a number of events taking place around Scotland to mark the one year anniversary of Scotland’s Self-directed Support Act and to raise awareness.

Today Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, will go to Kirkintilloch to meet Kirsty Soutar, 20, from East Dunbartonshire. Kirsty, who has Cerebral Palsy, has benefited from SDS by using her direct payments to employ a personal assistant who helps her to attend college, travel by public transport and be more independent in the community.

Over the last year, local authorities and other organisations have been working to implement their own plans for delivering SDS locally. The Scottish Government has provided £28.5 million over five years to help local councils make the necessary transitions. There has also been £6.3 million over four years to third sector and independent sector providers to come up with innovative new approaches to services.

In order to make sure individuals, carers and families understand the system and how it can work for them, the Scottish Government has also provided £7.5 million over four years for information, support and advocacy organisations.

Mr Hepburn said:

“Self-directed Support is about giving people more control over their lives, and allowing them to make choices that mean they get a support package that works for them.

“There are thousands of people like Kirsty right around Scotland who are benefiting from the additional freedom that SDS can bring. People can choose for their support to be arranged by the council, design a tailor made package or to receive a direct payment, or .

“Through SDS many people are gaining extra independence and confidence, which I think is a great thing.”