Do you use a social care direct payment?

Do you use a social care direct payment?

We are looking for residents who use a social care direct payment, or who have decided not to take up this option, to get involved in one of two workshops that the Council will be hosting in the coming weeks.

The Council wants to make sure that when local people have a need for care and support, they also have as much choice and control themselves over this as they are able to.

Direct payments are cash payments that residents can receive instead of the Council arranging services for them.

Having a direct payment gives the person more choice, control, flexibility and creativity over the support they receive to meet their identified social care needs.

For example, a direct payment can be used to pay someone (a personal assistant) to provide assistance on days and times that better suit the individual, it can also be used to join activities such as the theatre, swimming, or a day out somewhere, or to go on a short break if the individual or the carer are in need of respite.

We know that sometimes our current processes and the ways of applying for a direct payment have got in the way of people choosing this as an option.

Therefore, we want to hear from, and work with, local people to improve our approach.

In June and July, we will be hosting two events that will bring residents, Council officers, and other organisations such as community partners together, to review our processes and make changes to improve them.

There has already been lots of work to look at this and many local people have told us about their experiences.
These events will use this information to share what is happening now and to discuss what is working well as well as what needs to change.

At each event there will be the opportunity for people who want to, to join a focus group.

The group will work together over the following six months to improve current processes and the Council’s local approach.

21 June – 10:00am to 1:00pm – Northwich Memorial Court, Chester Way, Northwich, CW9 5QJ

5 July – 5.30pm to 8.30pm – Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

The link below can be used to book a place at one of the workshops, or alternatively an individual can get in touch by telephone – places are limited to 30 per session and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Direct Payment Workshop

Tel: 07938 600 081

For anyone who is unable to attend a workshop but would like to share their thoughts or ideas, or would like more information about direct payments, they can email,

Nathan.Meech@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Many thanks for your support