Think Local Act Personal Tag Listing

Bridging the gap: self-directed support and the current realityBy Bridget Warr, Chief Executive of UK Homecare AssociationMaking sure choice and control can work for all, and reviewing the implementation of personal budgets and direct payments is a very current concern for those working in adult social care. We all know there is a big gap between what we want to achieve with self-directed support and the current reality, particularly for older people.

How to commission really good direct payment supportBy Simon Stockton, Director of Groundswell PartnershipDirect payments lead to better outcomes than managed budgets. So said the POET survey published in June last year.

Best Practice in Direct Payment Support: A guide for commissioners was originally funded by the London Joint Improvement Partnership and describes how to commission really good direct payments support by showcasing examples of innovative practice. It provides a practical toolkit to benchmark against best practice, identify gaps and build a shared view with local people and providers of how to develop the support needed to make DPs an attractive option for more people.

The Easy Read document below gives an overview of the Making it Real framework. More information is available on our Making it Real webpages.

Think Local, Act Personal has developed new advice and thinking around how to reduce bureaucracy by developing three linked papers:Adult Social Care Minimum Process Framework Improving Direct Payment Delivery Re-thinking Support Planning: Ideas for an Alternative Approach These three linked papers show that to achieve good results that make a difference to people's lives, there needs to be simplicity and clarity around the processes of Personal Budgets.

The document below gives an overview of the Making it Real framework. More information is available on our Making it Real webpages.

Personal Budgets: Taking Stock, Moving Forward provides an overview of the latest evidence in how the sector is progressing with the delivery of personal budgets. There has been some important progress made, with encouraging evidence showing improved outcomes for people.

As part of a DH funded project in Barnsley a study was undertaken to develop knowledge and gather information to assist the development of peer support brokerage, centred particularly on people who fund their own care. This report provides an overview of sources of peer support and peer brokerage currently available in the UK for self funders.

This PowerPoint presentation provides an overview of North East Lincolnshire's carer's strategy and support services. It includes information on the cares centre and on the carers additional support service.

Kirklees Carers Gateway sits inside the local authority's Assessment and Support team. It aims to stop carers rising up the tariff of care by early intervention and timely support.