Self-directed support

Overview Access to self-directed support Options for self-directed support What self-directed support can be used for Further information

Access to self-directed support

Self-directed support is an approach to engaging with people who require support. It’s much more than how the budget is allocated, which is only one aspect of a process that’s designed to empower you, should you need care. You’re an equal partner and can be as involved as you want to be in assessing your care needs and in planning your support.

This planning is done by you along with someone from your local council’s social care department. Ask your local council for an assessment of your care needs if you feel you need support for yourself or someone you look after.

They’ll talk to you about what matters most to you – your ‘outcomes’ – and help look at ways of achieving these outcomes. This might be a mixture of community or natural support – that is, from your family, local council, carer or provider organisation – and funded support. They should also discuss with you how much of that support you’d like to organise – or ‘direct’ – for yourself, via 4 options.

Your local council can offer you a carer’s assessment if you’re an unpaid carer. You can ask them for one to find out how they can support you in your caring role. If they decide they should provide support to you as the carer in your own right and offer funded support, they’ll also offer the choice of 4 options.