What does the Support Service do?

What are Direct Payments?

How can Direct Payments help me?

Contact us?

WHAT DOES THE SUPPORT SERVICE DO?

 We provide support individually tailored to your needs as and when you need it. This may include:

Providing information and advice when you are first considering Direct Payments

 Support through the set up process

 Help to find the right care/support for you whether that be through an agency or by employing your own staff

 On-going individual support as needed

 A monthly support group where you can exchange information and advice with other people using or considering using Direct Payments

How do we work?

 By visiting you at home

 By telephone calls

 By email (If you have a computer!)

How do I find out more information?

By contacting our Direct Payment support service,

Pam Champion, Project Manager

 WHAT ARE DIRECT PAYMENTS?

 A payment direct to you so that you can organise your own services such as:

Support to live in your own home

Support to access education

Somewhere different for respite

How does it work?

 If you decide Direct Payments is for you West Berkshire Council will give you the money that they would have used to provide your care for you. You can spend the money how you wish provided you meet your assessed community care needs. It is not extra income to spend on other things.

HOW CAN DIRECT PAYMENTS HELP ME?

Choice

 At the moment Social Services choose who provides your services. Through Direct payments you can choose the agency or people that you prefer.

Flexibility

 You are in control so you decide which support is best for you and when you have it.

Independence

 Through having choice and flexibility you are in control so you gain independence.