PKAVS Self Directed Support

PKAVS Self-Directed Support Project helps unpaid carers in Perth and Kinross to access the social care and support which best meets their needs.

We work in partnership with Support Choices and the Centre for Inclusive Living Perth and Kinross to ensure that all people across Perth and Kinross can access independent advice and support to live the lives they want to live*.

What is Self-Directed Support?

Self-Directed Support (or SDS) is the name for how social care is delivered in Scotland. It aims to give people who need care and support more choice, control and flexibility in how this is provided.

Can unpaid carers access SDS?

If you are an unpaid carer, you can access an SDS budget in your own right and this can be used in a variety of ways to support your health and wellbeing. In Perth and Kinross, SDS is often used to fund a break from the normal routine and demands of your caring role (‘respite care’), either on a regular basis, for example, a ‘sitting service’ at home, or for occasional overnight care at home or in a residential care home.

Under SDS, you have the choice about how any support is provided to best meet your needs, as well as the person you care for. If you are eligible for support as an unpaid carer, this is free of charge and you cannot be asked to contribute from your own money towards the cost of your support.

More info: Personalisation and Self-Directed Support – Perth & Kinross Council

Can parent carers also access SDS?

If you are a parent of a child or young person with a disability or long-term health condition, you can access support via SDS through the Children and Disability Social Work Team at Perth and Kinross Council. If you are eligible for support as a parent carer, this is included in the SDS budget provided for the child or young person.

More info: Children and Disability Social Work – Perth & Kinross Council

How can PKAVS SDS Project help?

We provide independent advice and support to unpaid carers to help you to feel more confident about accessing support for yourself and/or for the person you care for. We can provide advice and support on all aspects of your social care journey, from local eligibility criteria and the assessment process to the benefits of the different options available to you for delivering your support. If you choose to use SDS Option 1 to deliver your support, we can also provide advice and support on setting up and managing your Direct Payment and finding carers/personal assistants to deliver your support.

How can I get advice about SDS?

If you live in Perth and Kinross, you can access free, one-to-one SDS advice and support by completing our online referral form: Referral Questionnaire

If you are an unpaid carer and have a general question about SDS, you can contact our Self-Directed Support Advisor on 01738 567076 (option 2) or by emailing sds@pkavs.org.uk.

Where can I find more information?

SDS Scotland’s guide to support for unpaid carers:Support for unpaid carers and young carers – The SDS HandbookThe SDS Handbook

Scottish Government guide to SDS for unpaid carers:Self-directed Support: A Guide for Carers – gov.scot

You can download a factsheet on Direct Payments by clicking here.

*We are funded by the Scottish Government’s ‘Support in the Right Direction’ programme: Support in the Right Direction – Inspiring Scotland