New support group for disabled people may be established

Jan 7 2009 by David Wynn, East Kilbride News

HOPES are high that a support group for disabled people who require private care could soon be up and running.

A meeting is to be held in East Kilbride at the end of this month where disabled people will be asked to get involved and help establish the group.

This follows months of behind-the-scenes work by charity Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) and local Tory councillor Graham Simpson.

The long-term hope is that the group will be able to advise disabled people on how to arrange care for themselves, therefore creating greater choice and control.

At present, most care is determined by the council’s social work department as many feel the task of essentially becoming an employer is too daunting.

But it is believed there is a desire among the local disabled community to be more in charge of their care package, which can play a crucial role in someone’s life.

Councillor Simpson said: "Other parts of Scotland have these support organisations, led by disabled people, with advice and support provided by people with experience of using self-directed support.

“These support organisations help to make sure that self-directed support works for an individual, so that the individual can exercise genuine choice and control over their lives and that is incredibly liberating.

"South Lanarkshire Council's social work department has been incredibly supportive of this project and we are hoping to see as many disabled people as possible along at our information meetings, when we hope to find a group of service users keen to advance things."

Three meetings to discuss the proposals will be held at the following venues:

Monday, January 26, 11am to 1.30 pm, South Lanarkshire Lifestyles, Neilsland Road, Fairhill, Hamilton, ML3 8HJ.

Wednesday, January 28, 10.30 am to 1pm, South Lanarkshire Lifestyles, Harry Smith Complex, Thomas Taylor Avenue, Lanark, ML11 7DG.

Friday, January 30, 11am to 1.30pm, Murray Owen Centre, 1 Liddell Grove, Murray, East Kilbride, G75 9AD.

A snack lunch will be provided and personal assistants will be available if required.

If you wish to attend please telephone 0870 850 7795 or e-mail sdsscotland@btinternet.com and register your interest by Friday, January 23.