Self Directed Support is a way of arranging social care that puts you in control. It allows you, and those close to you, to decide what support you need and how it fits into your life.
What this means for you
With Self-Directed Support, you can:
- Choose the type of support that meets your assessed needs
- Decide when and where you receive support
- Have as much control as you want over how your support is arranged
For example, you could arrange for support staff to visit at times that suit you, or you may choose to employ your own personal assistant.
Your personal budget
A personal budget is a sum of money identified by the Trust to meet the assessed needs of a person who is eligible for social care support services.
If you are eligible for social care support, the Trust will agree a personal budget with you. This is a sum of money set aside to meet your assessed needs.
You will also create a support plan, which sets out:
- Your personal goals
- The outcomes you want to achieve
- How your support will help you
Once a support plan is agreed by the Trust, you or your representative can decide how your personal budget is managed.
Your options
You can choose to receive your support in any of the following ways:
- Direct Payment – you receive the money and arrange your own support
- Managed Budget – the Trust manages the budget on your behalf
- Trust Arranged Service – the Trust organises support for you
- A mix of the above
Self Directed Support is a partnership between:
- Individuals and families
- Carers
- Independent sector organisations
- Government bodies
How to contact us
If you would like to find out more about Self-Directed Support, contact your named worker or the Trust’s Self-Directed Support Team.
- Telephone: 028 2563 5464
Useful resources
Self Directed Support Podcasts
Explore our Self Directed Support podcasts, where service users and carers share real-life experience of using direct payments to maintain independence and enhance their quality of life.
You can find out podcasts on all major podcast platforms, or you can play them directly below.
Self Directed Support is part of the Transforming Your Care strategic approach to developing Person Centred Services. It is a pathway where individuals are enabled and encouraged to have more choice and control in how their care and support is provided. Self Directed Support is available as a way to meet the needs of individuals who access social care in both children and adult services.
This series tells the service users story on how self-directed support can improve health, wellbeing and maintain independence at home and gives listeners a unique insight into how the process could benefit those currently in Northern Trust arranged support.
We meet Jackie, who tells us the story of her diagnosis of Multiple sclerosis and how she has managed to keep her independence through the use of self-directed support. With insight into the Direct Payment process and how she was able to find her Personal Assistant.
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