Community Contacts - Carr Gomm

Page 1

Community Planning Group information for February 2023 
Community Contacts offers free, impartial information, advice and support for people
of all ages around Self Directed Support (SDS).  We are funded by the Scottish
Government’s Support in The Right Direction Initiative (SiRD) and are working
together with partners, including Argyll and Bute HSCP. We do this by:
Assisting people to exercise their rights and to take as much choice and control as
they want about how their support is organised, managed and delivered. 
 Support people to prepare for the SDS assessment process; by exploring the
options open to them and through assistance, enable them to make informed
social care choices.  We can also assist people to challenge decisions made
about their SDS support. 
 Helping to reduce feelings of uncertainty or isolation by providing
opportunities to make valuable connections with other relevant organisations
or groups. 
 Providing intensive support around Option 1 (direct payments) and the
responsibilities associated with this option.   
Between March and October 2022 Community Contacts provided:
 Intensive support to 208 people, including unpaid carers.  
 Information and advice to a further 424 people.
We welcome contact with people at any stage of their process through SDS; anyone
can refer to us.  We are setting up drop-in sessions with local third sector
organisations and are building on links with local schools to ensure people have
access to information and advice about SDS.