Self directed support

Self-directed support (SDS) is a new way of delivering social care services in a way that you choose and control. It is bringing changes to the way social care has been delivered in the past.

You direct your own assessment with support from your care manager. After assessment the information you have given is used to work out how much money is available to spend on your support. This figure is known as your personal budget.

You can then plan how you want to spend your budget, in agreement with your care manager, focusing on your needs and the changes you want to make in your life. You can also choose how you manage your budget. There are various options - it's designed to be very flexible and to fit in with people's individual circumstances.

Use the information in these pages to find out more about using a personal budget - and the difference that directing your own support can make in your life.

Contents

• What is a personal budget and how does it work?
  
• Leeds Directory  - find services and support in your local area.
  
• Frequently Asked Questions about personal budgets and directing your own support
  
• Using personal assistants
  
• New film! Personal Budgets in Leeds  - hear from local people who are already using personal budgets to direct their own support.
  
• Case studies  - hear from people across the country who are directing their own support.
  
• Personal Budgets Peer Support Network  - speak to people who already use a personal budget or direct payments. You can also watch short film clips of people using personal budgets in other parts of the country, collected by the Department of Health.
  
• Information for providers
  
• Direct payments  

For further information about personal budgets and directing your own support drop us an email or visit the links on this page.

Contacts