Social care DVD gives people more choice

25 June 2008

Bedfordshire County Council has produced a DVDusing drama to promotethe choice people have in purchasing social care services through direct payments.

Direct payments allow people to purchase the social service care they need directly froma range of providers that they choose . In Bedfordshire, 474 people receive direct payments.

The DVD, which is also supported by easy to read leaflets, advises people what they can spend their direct payment on and how to get the most out of their money.

Cllr Bob King, Bedfordshire County Council Cabinet member for Community Services, said: "This easy to follow DVD will allow people who use direct payments to get the most out of them.

"Individuals are in control of buying the services and care they have been assessed as needing by the County Council. For example, one person used their direct payment to pay a friend to take them shopping each week.

"Direct payments have enabled people to live in their own homes and livewith dignity."

For further information about Direct Payments please phone 01234 363222 or email care@bedscc.gov.uk.

ENDS