Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund 2023 – 2026
A new Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund has been launched which is open to applications from third-sector organisations, grassroots and community groups based in Scotland. About the Fund The aim of this fund is to support projects and organisations to facilitate progress towards the priorities of ‘A Connected Scotland (2018)’ strategy, contribute to the recovery […]
Our 2023 membership certificate
Thank you to all SDSS members who have renewed your membership for another year. We’ll be sending out membership certificates soon, which this year have been designed for us by the Art for Anxiety group, run by SDSS member the Big Disability Group based in Clydebank. The organisation was set up in 2017 by a disabled […]
Free online health and social care courses launched
SDSS member the Ayrshire Independent Living Network (AILN) have launched a series of new online distance learning courses covering a range of health and social care topics. The courses are free to anyone who fits the following criteria: Aged 16+ as of 31 August 2022 Lived in the EU for 3+ years Not in full […]
Community Brokerage Award 2023-2024: applications open
Applications are now open for the next delivery of the Community Brokerage Award, running from September 2023 to June 2024. The Award is a customised SQA award worth 30 credits at SCQF level 7. It has been designed to cover all aspects of community brokerage in relation to self-directed support and is broken down into five […]
New guidance on tenancies for people with additional support needs
The Mental Welfare Commission has published a new good practice guide for landlords about tenancy agreements for people with additional support needs. It will also be useful for social workers and families. Advice for landlords and good practice guidance Over the last decade, there has been a major shift in how and where people with […]
Increase in the minimum hourly rate for PAs from April 2023
The Scottish Government has announced that the minimum rate of pay for Personal Assistants will increase to £10.90 an hour from April 2023. The increase is part of funding agreed as part of the Scottish Budget for 2023/24 and means that the minimum hourly rate for workers providing direct adult social care, including Personal Assistants, […]
SDSS response to SDS Improvement Plan consultation
The forthcoming SDS Improvement Plan aims to drive forward the implementation of Self Directed Support over the coming years. In response to the consultation around the draft plan, SDSS spoke with our members to find out what is important to them, what they believe needs to happen to improve SDS in the coming years, and […]
EHRC Research: identifies clear barriers to people tying to complain about Social Care issues
Equality watchdog highlights barriers faced by those challenging social care decisions in Scotland Some adults receiving social care in Scotland are unsure of how to challenge decisions about their care, according to new research published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). An accompanying survey of local authorities, also published today by Britain’s equality […]
Self Directed Support in Moray
Research on people’s experiences of Self Directed Support in Moray Moray Wellbeing Hub want to hear the voice and experience of people across Moray using social care services, and their carers. The are interested in speaking to people who have a Self-Directed Support package – or care for someone who does – to find out: […]
Updated SDS Statutory Guidance – information sessions for SDSS members
The Scottish Government published the updated SDS Statutory Guidance on 21st November 2022. You can see the newly updated Guidance here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/statutory-guidance-accompany-social-care-self-directed-support-scotland-act-2013-2/ The Guidance has incorporated a number of recent developments, as well as others that have occurred over the last eight years, including: The SDS Standards Parts of the COVID-19 SDS Guidance The Carers […]