North east charity launches advice service for people using self-directed support

A north east charity has launched a support service to help people better negotiate self-directed support (SDS).

More than 1,700 people throughout the region will be supported by Cornerstone SDS Aberdeenshire, an advisory service created to provide users of self-directed support with all the information they need to arrange care and support.

SDS allows people to choose how their support will be provided, giving them as much ongoing control as they want over the individual budget spent if they do not want to continue to receive a service provided by and paid for by a local authority or the NHS.

SDS significantly changes the way we all work and provide services for people in Aberdeenshire - Karen Clark

The task of managing SDS in Aberdeenshire was awarded to Cornerstone by Aberdeenshire Council following a tendering process.

Cornerstone chief executive Edel Harris said: “Our advisors will help the individual make the right choice for them and their family and be there to help them at each stage of setting up the support.

“We look forward to introducing this new service across Scotland."

Councillor Karen Clark, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s social work and housing committee, said: “SDS significantly changes the way we all work and provide services for people in Aberdeenshire.

“It gives a person who needs care and support more choice and control over the kind of support they receive and how it is delivered.”