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Self-Directed Support

Both of Difference Matters’ directors have used self-directed support themselves for a number of years.

Some examples of services we can offer include:

  • Training for local authorities around personalisation and self-directed support
  • Development of accessible information around self-directed support
  • Training on recruiting and managing personal assistants
  • Development of peer mentoring schemes for users of self-directed support

Examples of recent work include:

  • In Control
    We designed and delivered training sessions for social workers and personalisation leads from local authorities on independent living and applying the social model of disability to social work.
  • Sefton Council - Health and Social Care
    We designed and deliver an on-going programme of training since 2007. Two courses are available – a compulsory basic Disability Equality Action Training course for all staff and a course on personalisation for managers and social workers.
  • Manchester City Council Adult Social Care
    (in partnership with Breakthrough UK)
    We designed and deliver an on-going Disability Equality Action Training programme covering the personalisation agenda. Different courses were targeted staff with operational, line management and strategic management responsibilities.
  • Step-by-Step Living Network
    (in partnership with Northwest Training and Development Team and Choices Count)
    We ran a project which produced an Easy Read guide to self-directed support. The project was overseen by a reference group of disabled people from across the North West.
  • Merseyside Joint Training Partnership
    Designed and regularly deliver training on independent living and the personalisation agenda to staff from local authorities, care providers and voluntary sector organisations in Merseyside.