11/08/03 - Cumbria takes regional lead on direct payments

Health Minister, Stephen Ladyman has announced £55,000 funding from the Direct Payments Development Fund for Cumbria Direct Payments Team to promote Direct payments across the whole of the North East and the North West Region. The grant recognises that Cumbria has developed an effective and successful scheme that others can learn from. Cumbria will promote best practice, leading to an increase in the take up of Direct Payments across the region   

Direct payments enable people with a disability receiving community care services to control their own care provision. A direct payment means that people can choose how care needs are met and by whom, giving more independence and choice. The scheme reflects the commitment to promote independence and freedom of choice for those needing social care and support. The County’s Advice and Information service is based on three independent service advisers, giving advice, information and support about the Direct Payments scheme. The independent advisers enable people to make informed decisions about whether Direct Payments are right for them and can then help with support and information. This ensures that the way the payment is spent is in the control of the person receiving it.   

County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services says,   

“Direct payments enable people with a disability receiving community care services to control their own care provision. A direct payment means that people can choose how care needs are met and by whom, giving more independence and choice. The Direct Payments scheme in Cumbria has been very successful and I am delighted to hear that our teams good practice has been recognised in this way.” 

Fred Wilenius, Direct Payments Project Manager for Cumbria says,   

“The Direct Payments scheme in Cumbria has been highly successful because of the involvement of service users from the start. The project has remained user focused and developed the service to meet people’s specific needs. We currently have over 150 people using Direct Payments, one of the highest numbers in the country. . The Direct Payments Advice and Information Service won a national award in November 2001 and in April this year the Government announced it’s intention of ensuring that all local council’s offer direct payments as an alternative to existing service provision. This directive led all council’s to seek out direct payments good practice and follow in Cumbria’s footsteps. The county is recognised as being at the leading edge of direct payment provision and I am delighted that we can promote the service regionally.   

The promotion work is a joint venture between Cumbria Direct Payments Advice and Information Service and Cumbria County Council’s Social Services directorate. The promotion team will include Direct Payment users. We intend to develop a tool kit to help councils establish or improve their scheme generally share our expertise.”   

Anyone interested in knowing more about the Advice and Information service or the Direct Payments scheme itself can contact Fred Wilenius, Project Manager on 0845 124 9304.