Choices
Click to go to different sections on the page -
1 - Person Centred Planning
Person centred planning (PCP) and approaches was an important part of the government’s plans in Valuing People (2001) for people with learning disabilities.
Person centred planning is a way of supporting people to work out what they want, the support they need and helping them get it. It involves continual listening, learning and actionand helps the person get what they want out of life.
Being 'person centred' or using a 'person centred approach' means making sure that everything we do is based upon what is important to a person from their own perspective.
Person centred planning discovers and acts on what is important to a person.
- Person Centred Planning Wheels
We have made 3 new person centred planning tools.
Have a look to find one that is right for you:
2 - Money and Direct Payments
MONEY
Everyone needs money. Some people need support from the Government, called ‘benefits’ to pay for the things they need.
Benefits
Benefits can be very hard to understand so it’s best to get someone to help you. There is some useful information at the 
Department of Work and Pensions website.
Medway Council have a Benefits team who offer information and advice about benefits.
Direct Payments Scheme
Medway Council has made it possible for individuals who have care and social support needs to receive money directly so that they can arrange, organise and pay for their own help. People who have been assessed as needing a care service can phone the council on 01634 334466 and ask for the Self Directed Support Team.
Advantages of the direct payments scheme are:
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if you need care or support you can decide who it is that comes into your home to meet your needs;
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you can be the employer and not simply the care receiver;
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choice and control can lead to a more stable service;
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you can manage the hours according to your wishes, building in flexible working patterns;
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your life is no longer arranged around the timetable of others;
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your dignity and lifestyle is improved because you are in control.
Some comments from people who use the direct payments scheme:
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"It has given me more control and I can get more out of the money."
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"I can now go to bed at a time that suits me and not the agency."
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"It's my life now – it seemed to belong to others before – always waiting and not knowing."
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"The flexibility means that I can do the things that I want when I want."
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"Being in control gives me dignity."
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"I wouldn't go back to the way it was before – there is too much to lose."
You can find an Easy Guide to Direct Payments by clicking here
Valuing Medway People Medway Learning Disability Partnership Board
For people with learning disabilities in Medway
Valuing Medway People Partnership Board
Adult Social Care,
Medway Council
Gun Wharf,
Dock Road
Chatham
Kent
ME4 4TR
01634 337569
officeldpb@medway.gov.uk
Making it happen!
Meeting notes
Useful reading