Centre for Inclusive Living Perth & Kinross are a member organisation of SDSS ( Self Directed Support Scotland )
What is Self-directed Support (SDS) ?
Self-directed Support (SDS) is an approach to social care that puts the person at the centre of the support planning process. It enables people, carers and families to make informed choices about their social care support and how it is delivered.
The Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 ensures that when discharging their duty to support people in need, local authorities do so in a way which offers the person choice, control and flexibility to determine how they wish to receive support.
It means that anyone (adult or child) being assessed for care and support via the local authority must be offered more choice about how they receive support.
You can now choose from 4 different ways of getting support, these are called ‘SDS options’.
What can you use Self-directed Support for?
Self-directed Support can be used in many ways. You can get support to live in your own home, such as help with meal preparation, medication and personal hygiene.
Out of the home, SDS could support you to go to college, to continue in employment or support you to start a job, or to enjoy leisure pursuits. You might be able to arrange support to help you attend local classes, go swimming, or be a volunteer helping others. SDS could also be used to pay for a short break (respite) or for equipment and temporary adaptations.
You can choose whether you would prefer to get support from a service provider such as a voluntary organisation or care agency, or by employing your own Personal Assistants (PA’s), or a combination of both.
The council decides how much funding you’ll receive. You then choose how to spend it on the agreed support.
You can choose one of these four options for how your support is provided.
Option 1
“I get the money to spend on the support I choose.”
The council gives you the money to arrange and pay for your support. This is called a direct payment. You can employ a personal assistant or buy services from a support provider.
Option 2
“I tell the council what to spend the money on.”
You choose how the money is spent. The council or your support provider manages the money for you.
Option 3
“I let the council decide how to spend the money.”
You ask the council to choose and arrange the support that it thinks is right for you. The council manages the money.
Option 4
A mix of Options 1, 2 & 3
You choose more than one of the 3 options.
Some useful links to more information
Source of useful information about SDS including the PA Programme Board.
SDS Handbook
If you want to find out how to access care and support, you are in the right place. You might be looking for support for yourself, or a loved one.
Support Choices offers free information, advice and support to guide you through the process of organising your care support.
Whether you’re a carer, an adult who needs support, a child or young person, you have the right to an assessment for support.
Personal Assistants Network Scotland
Information for PA’s about employment, training, your health & wellbeing, news and events as well as exclusive offers available only to members.
The Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013
The legislation that underpins Self-Directed Support.
Supporting unpaid carers, those recovering from mental ill-health, minority communities, older people, the local Third Sector, and volunteers.
Centre for Inclusive Living Perth and Kinross (CILPK) – That’s us!!!
How CILPK Supports Carers
Although CILPK’s primary focus is supporting disabled people to live independently, they also play an important role in supporting carers, particularly through partnerships and self‑directed support (SDS) resources.
1. Support with Self‑Directed Support (SDS)
CILPK is part of a joint initiative with Support Choices and PKAVS that helps people navigate self‑directed social care.
Within this partnership:
- PKAVS supports unpaid carers in accessing and benefiting from self-directed support.
- CILPK provides training and support for SDS Option 1 employers (i.e., people hiring Personal Assistants) and also offers peer support.
Inspiring Scotland
This partnership ensures carers have access to independent advice, helping them understand care options and manage support more effectively.
2. Improving Access and Inclusion
By working with local services to improve accessibility and promote independent living, CILPK indirectly supports carers by:
- helping ensure the people they care for can live more independently
- contributing to more accessible community environments that ease carers’ responsibilities
3. Information, Resources, and Advocacy
CILPK provides:
- Information and advice on disability rights and accessibility
- Resource hubs including technology guides and SDS information
- Campaigns and consultations that influence local services and support structures
While these services are aimed at disabled people, carers often rely on these same resources to navigate support needs.
4. Community Support & Peer Networks
Carers benefit from:
- Peer-led groups and membership communities
- Stories and lived‑experience perspectives that help carers understand disability experiences and available supports
Summary
CILPK supports carers primarily through:
✔ SDS training, employer guidance and peer support
✔ Partnership work that ensures carers can access SDS advice
✔ Improving accessibility and independent living, reducing carer burden
✔ Information, advocacy, and community-led support
