More than 30 third sector organisations supporting people to make the most of self-directed support are to receive a share of £9.2m.

Over the next three years, the funding will be distributed to organisations across Scotland to boost the work they do providing independent support, information, advice and advocacy.

Through this, the Scottish government says it aims to give people who access social care ‘more choice and control’ over decisions relating to their care.

Last month, Voluntary Health Scotland celebrated 20 years, with speakers sharing the vital role that the third sector plays in both health and social care.

Now, the national ‘Support in the Right Direction’ programme funding will enable third sector organisations to better support people to live well independently.

The grants come as part of the Scottish government’s Self-Directed Support Improvement Plan, which looks to better embed the potentially transformational system which has been held back since its 2013 implementation by, amongst other barriers,  a lack of independent support and advice throughout the process.

Social Care Minister Maree Todd said:

“Through this funding, people and carers will be supported to have more choice and involvement in how their social care is delivered.

“We want everyone accessing social care to feel confident participating in every stage of their social care journey and be equal partners in their care and support decisions, so that they can live a full and independent life.

“The ambition is to have the right independent support available at the right time and place to meet the specific needs of each individual.”

Building on the £2bn investment in social care for 2024-25, this funding comes after Holyrood announced a second public consultation on the National Care Service Bill after amendments could see millions less needed after major parts of the plans were changed.

The government says this funding boost will see it deliver on its commitment to increase spending by 25% over this parliament two years ahead of the original target.

The Support in the Right Direction fund will support 33 organisations in all of Scotland’s 32 local authorities,

Since the programme first launched in October 2018, more than 15,000 people and families have been supported and 87,754 people have received general information and advice on self-directed support by the funded organisations.

A list of organisations set to receive a share of the £9.2m between now and 2027 has also been published.

Celia Tennant, Chief Executive of Inspiring Scotland, which manages the fund, said:

“We are pleased to be working with the Scottish government on Support in the Right Direction. This vital funding commitment will help bring stability to organisations over the next three years and strengthen the network across Scotland of providers of independent advice and advocacy with self-directed support.      

“We know that locally based organisations are vital in enabling people and their carers to understand and navigate the social care systems in their areas.  Each of these organisations bring expertise in social care, self-directed support and a good knowledge of local resources meaning they are best placed to work with people at every stage of their journey.”

 

Read more: 20 years of Voluntary Health Scotland; Economic change key to Scotland's health inequalities; ‘Invaluable' impact of mental health volunteers; Employment rights extended to unpaid carers; Independent Living Fund to reopen

Sign up to our bulletin for key health & social care updates straight to your inbox and you can follow healthandcare.scot on Google News.