Revamped website launched as an information hub for Direct Payments
Shropshire Council is proud to have launched a new website to provide relevant information on Direct Payments and how the funding can be used to help people live the life they want.
A Direct Payment allows people to receive money directly from the council, so they can choose how and when they receive their support to meet eligible care and support needs. By making their own arrangements, people have more choice and flexibility in the management of how they receive the support that best suits them.
Direct Payments are available to anyone who has been assessed as having relevant eligible needs. This includes adults aged 18 or over:
- who have a disability
- who have caring responsibilities
- with other support needs, including mobility etc.
The new website has been written to provide information for current and potential Direct Payment recipients, Personal Assistants and for those working in the profession.
Direct Payments webpage tease
The information includes:
- What is a Direct Payment? – information and a video (see above) explaining what a Direct Payment is
- Getting started – information to find out if you are eligible for a Direct Payment and how to apply
- Money matters – information and advice on the records you need to keep and account management
- Support planning – information and advice on eligible needs, how to mould your support plan by using goals to live the life you want
- Finding/employing a Personal Assistant – information and advice on how to recruit and manage your own staff, and what you need to do as an employer
- Working as a Personal Assistant – information and advice for those who want to be, or who are already working as, a Personal Assistant
- Newsroom – regular updates about Direct Payments
The information has been co-produced with Direct Payment recipients, who have shared their lived experiences to ensure the right information is included in a format that is clear and simple.
Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said:-
“Shropshire Council has been supporting local people to access Direct Payments for over 25 years. Although Direct Payments are not for everyone, they can be a way of achieving better outcomes for customers as they are in control of the support they choose and receive.
“We want to ensure people who have a Direct Payment can access information easily and know where to go for help.
“I’m therefore delighted that, after much consultation with those who use Direct Payments, we have produced a one stop shop for information for people in Shropshire.
“The website also includes important information on how people can employ a Personal Assistant to support them, and also an opportunity for people who are interested in becoming a Personal Assistant.”
The Direct Payments website can be found at: www.shropshire.gov.uk/direct-payments-in-adult-social-care/
