Self Directed Support is the new system being set up across the country to transform the way councils provide care through Adult Social Services.
It moves away from a traditional “one-size fits all” model and aims to put the individual in control of his or her own care through a personalised budget.

Local people who already use this system spoke of their positive experiences and hopes of receiving better support. Some highlighted the complexity of the application system, the length of time it takes to complete or their  concern that it might not provide sufficient or appropriate support at the end.

There was lively discussion about the changes, challenges and opportunities which Self Directed Support brings to organisations providing care, such as local charities. There were many differing opinions, with some people concerned that the support which vulnerable people rely on might disappear whilst others called for innovation in the provision of support from local organisations.

Review of Self Directed Support

Richmond LINk announced that it is to embark on a year-long review,  involving the whole community, to find out what Self Directed Support really means for Richmond. We will be contacting as many voluntary and community sector organisations as possible that provide services to individuals who either receive social care funding or who are self-funders.

The working group will ask how the focus on social care funding - now being streamed via individualised budgets rather than to the service providers direct - is affecting the planning and provision of services and what changes are organisations making to meet the requirements of the new system. Hopefully people receiving this support, or their carers, will be willing to discuss their personal experiences of how their needs have or have not been met. We’re aiming to produce a comprehensive report that will be of real practical value and contribute to the debate on how social care can best be provided locally in the future.

Very important for the long-term future of care and support funding is the government’s Green Paper published in July 2009. This introduces the concept of a National Care Service where everyone in England who qualifies for care and support from the state should get some help paying for it. Three options for funding the system are proposed and it is very important that there is wide public engagement in the consultation which will run until 13 November 2009.

For full information about the Green Paper consultation visit www.careandsupportdirect.gov.uk  or write to the Care and Support Team, Room 149, Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, London SW1A 2NS.