Support Plan
Your Support Plan will show how you are going to use the money. We will help you to create your own plan. You can ask your social worker, friends or family, or an independent advocate to help you write it. Having a Support Plan is a good way to make decisions about your care, and to make sure it works for you.
There are a number of traditional care services which your Personal Budget can pay for, such as day care or home care, but you are in control. This means you can spend your money on other things as long as they meet your care needs. There are some rules which have been set by the government, for example you can:
- employ support workers or personal assistants
- employ family or friends who do not live with you
- buy services from registered agencies or organisations
- pay expenses for an unpaid helper
- buy equipment to help with your needs
You can't:
- employ a family member who lives with you (except in exceptional circumstances)
- spend the money on illegal activities
There are some other rules about what your Personal Budget can be used for, but we will explain these to you. We want your Support Plan to work for you.
Your Support Plan, your rights
We will review your Support Plan with you regularly, especially if your circumstances change or you are concerned that the plan is not working. We need to make sure that you are getting what you need and that you have enough money to pay for the things you need. You need to feel comfortable and confident that the services you are using are the right ones for you.
Your feelings matter
You have a right to:
- be treated with courtesy and with dignity and respect
- privacy for yourself, and for your relatives and friends when they visit you
- deal with your own money, and to spend it in the way you want to.
- express your views, feelings and concerns
- worship where and when you want to
- eat food that is prepared in line with your religious and cultural needs
- choose the food that you eat and be given the time and space to relax and enjoy your meal
- be involved in activities such as work, education and parenting
- get up in the mornings and go to bed at night at the times you choose
- relationships, including intimate relationships
- complain if you are not happy with the care you get
If you feel that you're not being given your rights or treated fairly, please tell us. We are committed to providing high standards of care to everyone who uses our services.