SDS Forum

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Self-directed Support (SDS) is the legislation under which social care is delivered in Scotland. The principles of collaboration, participation, informed choice and involvement are central to SDS.

People can choose how their care is provided to them and who provides it for them. They should have as much control as they choose over how their budget is spent. In line with these partnership principles, we have set up an SDS Forum, which we hope will contribute to the future development of good practice in SDS in the Scottish Borders.

Members of the Forum are individuals and carers who are using SDS, regardless of which of the four options they choose to arrange their support. It is hoped that the Forum will be able to:

  • provide good quality information
  • encourage and enable the sharing of experiences of SDS
  • connect individuals with relevant organisations
  • work in partnership with the local authority and voluntary organisations.

 

Outcomes

Individuals and carers will be able to work in partnership with the local authority and voluntary organisations sharing information and best practice.

Individuals and carers will be better informed and able to offer support to each other and support the implementation of SDS in line with its principles.

Individuals and carers will have an opportunity to comment on policies and strategies that impact on their needs e.g. representation on the Scottish Borders Council (SBC) SDS Working Group.

The SDS Forum is an independent voice reflecting the reality of the provision of SDS. We work in partnership with the local authority, raising issues and concerns as they arise.

The forum meets monthly (currently via Zoom). New members are always welcome. Please let us know if you need support to access Zoom. If you would rather not join this way, you can still become a member and we will send out information and minutes by e-mail or post. This will help you to feed back your thoughts and experiences to the Forum.

We have also found meetings are a great opportunity to share experiences and support each other.

Anyone who is interested in joining the Forum should contact the Secretary, Elspeth Critchley on 07562948386 (phone/text) or sd******@**************rs.com

Please view the SDS leaflet here

View our film about SDS in the Scottish Borders