- Council provides funds to help small businesses
- Financial help for keeping warm this winter
- Improve your health at York House
- Heathrow's airtrack train plan criticised
- Have your own say on Academies
- Mayor's Christmas invite
- Net closing on Council Tax cheats
- Step pedal jump your way to rugby!
- Borough has the lowest level of alcohol fueled crimes in London
- Play safe at Halloween warning
- Enjoy a week of entertainment at Heathfield centre
- Spreading the safety message
- New funding agreed to combat the recession
- Support your local lollipop person
- Disappointment as Boris' public transport costs rise
- Ham and Petersham win £100,000 for low carbon zone
- Borough children's favourite nursery rhyme revealed on Bookstart Day
- Eastender at East Sheen Library
- Destination Richmond
- Green fingers win prizes for winning allotments
- Free flood warnings for residents at risk in Richmond
- Huge turnout for older people's event
- RISE event success
- Best Cemetery Award for Richmond and East Sheen
- Take part in Black History Month celebrations
- World Sight Day celebrated
- Question time comes to Richmond
- 2M fears local people may loose out to Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC)
- 1,000 people control their social care budgets
- £2.85 million for new homes
- Richmond Council confirms sponsor for Shene Academy
- Richmond Council extends CO2 parking
Release Date: 07/10/2009
1,000 people control their social care budgets
Over 1,000 people are now benefitting from Richmond Council’s new way of assessing social care needs, which enables them to have greater choice and control over the support services they receive, and more options on what money can be spent on.
Self Directed Support (SDS) has changed the way care assessments are carried out, so people’s overall wellbeing is considered, such as personal safety and loneliness, rather than just their immediate care needs.
One resident who has benefitted from SDS is Gillian Wing, from Richmond, Gillian says:
“I have used my personal budget to get support from my carer for my daily living activities and to attend Sheen Lane Day Centre two days a week.
“Before this, I had very little contact with people and felt very lonely at times. I attended a trial day at the Day Centre and was enjoying myself so much that I wished to go more often.
“I am having aromatherapy sessions, attending church regularly and going on day trips, shopping trips and having lunch with other people. And at the day centre I have a lovely meal and can get my hair done.”
Cllr Denise Carr Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing on Richmond Council, adds:
“Gillian is a great example of the benefits of SDS. As well as being given financial support for her essential care needs, her care manager has helped her get out and meet new people.
“Over 1,000 people in the borough have gone through SDS and been allocated a personal budget. For some, SDS means making the most of services that the Council provides. For others it has offered new opportunities to access a wider range of activities like fishing, going to a gym or being supported to go to university.
“SDS is at the heart of improving our support for older people and adults with disabilities. This can help avoid isolation and increase participation in community activities.
“Our target is to have everyone on a personal budget by the end of next year.”
Personal budgets are available to anyone eligible for social care support, such as frail older people and people with disabilities.
Personal budgets are means tested and may require a personal contribution from the recipient.
View the full press release