Direct Payments - What people say about Direct Payments

"I'm Gill Manning aged 46, from Penrith. Two years ago I was involved in a serious road accident and now need constant help and care.

I became a user of Direct Payments approximately one year ago and it has made such a big difference to my life. I now have the choice and freedom to organise my care. I have chosen the carer who suits me best . I can choose when I want my care. I am in control of my life. Direct Payments gives you the option to choose who you want to care for you, and when, you want them to care for you".

Kathy Crawley, aged 35, from Seascales:

"When you are disabled, for whatever reason, people and/or circumstances take away many of your choices. Direct payments gives you back some of those choices."

Norman Hird, aged 42, from Barrow:

"Since being disabled (a wheelchair user) my independence has been greatly reduced, but now with my Direct Payments my life has been given a degree of the freedom again that I used to so enjoy" 

Ian Wardle, aged 52, of Barrow says:

"Direct Payments in conjunction with ILF funding has enabled me to retain control of my life. I can do what I want, when I want and how I want rather than conforming to the requirements of care providers and funders".

Jean Merchant, aged 70, from Kendal:

"I have freedom from restriction, I'm able to choose, and able to use my own intelligence to sort out my care arrangements for myself. I no longer have an overseer, and I don't have to accept what Social Services stipulate." 

(These comments and photographs were provided through the Direct Payments Advice and Information Service.)