Self-Directed Support
Self-Directed Support gives people choice and control over how their social care is arranged. We help unpaid carers in Perth and Kinross understand what support is available and how to access it.
How to access support
Start by contacting the Early Intervention and Prevention Team at Perth and Kinross Council. If you are an unpaid carer this usually involves a carer’s assessment or an Adult Carer Support Plan.
How PKAVS can help
We offer free and independent guidance on Self-Directed Support. We can explain your options, help you understand eligibility and support you if you choose to manage a direct payment.
Get advice
Call 01738 567076 (option 2) or email sds(at)pkavs.org.uk
You can also complete our online referral form.
Working in partnership
We work alongside Support Choices and the Centre for Inclusive Living Perth and Kinross through the Scottish Government’s Support in the Right Direction programme.
More information links
Frequently asked questions
What is Self-Directed Support
Self-Directed Support is the system Scotland uses to arrange social care. If you are eligible, you can choose how your support is delivered. You can manage it yourself, ask the council to arrange it or use a combination of both.
Can unpaid carers get support through SDS
Yes. Unpaid carers can receive support to meet identified needs. This often includes regular or one off breaks from caring, care at home, overnight stays or support in another setting. If you qualify, you are not charged for the support you receive.
Does SDS also apply to support for the person I care for
Yes. SDS can give you flexibility in how support for the person you care for is arranged so that it works well for both of you.
What happens during an assessment
A social care professional will explore your needs. For unpaid carers this is normally a carer’s assessment or an Adult Carer Support Plan. If universal services cannot meet your needs they will work with you to agree appropriate support.
Can parent carers use SDS
Yes. For children and young people with a disability or long term condition, support is arranged through the Children and Disability Social Work Team. Help for the parent carer is usually included in the same SDS package.
What can PKAVS help with
We can explain entitlements, outline the four SDS options, advise on eligibility, support direct payments and help with recruiting carers or personal assistants under Option 1.