Age UK Darlington

What is self directed support?

Self-Directed Support is a new system. It's about people being in control of the support they need to live their life as they choose.

Some people manage their support on their own. Others need help - from family or friends or people who are paid to help.
In the old system, professionals made all the decisions about the support people could have and who would provide it. The person needing support often had no control.

This new system started with social care and the money in social services. But it's quickly becoming about health, education and other funding and services.


Direct Payments - What are they?

At the moment anybody assessed by the Council Social Service Department as needing care is allocated the care they need. In the future they will be able to decide where the money they have been allocated will be spent. The idea is to give more choice.

If it is you who needs the care, you can decide whether to stay where you are already receiving care or to change and have your care provided by someone else.

You will not be left to worry about this and you can chose to continue as before if you were happy like that but if you do want to make changes this could be an exciting opportunity to make your care package fit you and what you want to do.

When will Direct Payments start?

Direct payments have already begun to start happening in Darlington.

How do I get a Direct Payment?

If you are already receiving Care, contact Darlington Borough Council or ask your Care provider for advice. If you have not been assessed by the Council contact the adult social services department. The links are shown below.

How will I know what is on offer?

Darlington Borough Council will ensure that you will be informed about a wide range of service providers and other options that are open to you. They may refer you to an independent adviser who will again show you a wide range of options.

For more information for those looking to receive Direct Payments aswell as information for Carers, please view the documents below:

Direct Payments Information

Direct Payments Information for Carers

If you want to find out more details
•    contact the Information and Advice Service at Age Concern Darlington on 01325 357345
•    call into Clarke’s Yard speak to an advisor
•    or Email: advice.hewitt@fiftyplus.org.uk   
Opening times 10.00am – 4.00 pm Monday to Friday

Alternatively contact Darlington Borough Council Access and Contact Team at Adult Social Services, Central House, Gladstone Street Tel (01325) 346200 or DAD Direct Payments Support Service, Pease House, 12a Horsemarket Tel (01325) 360524.