West Lothian Self-directed Support (SDS) Forum

The West Lothian SDS Forum is a community peer support group for anyone in West Lothian interested in SDS.

We are an independent group, that is here to support local people. Self Directed Support is how social care is delivered in Scotland in a way that ensures everyone has choice and control over the care and support they receive. As well as offering direct support to people who require this, it is also available to unpaid carers to support them in their caring role. Whether you use Self Directed Support, care for someone who does, or work with Self Directed Support as part of your job, we're here to help.

 

Who is the Forum for?

The forum is open to anyone who is:

  • Receiving social care support
  • Looking for social care support
  • Is an unpaid carer
  • Working for an organisation supporting people's access to Self Directed Support in West Lothian

 

Aims of the Forum:

The aims of the forum are:

  • To support the effective delivery of Self Directed Support in West Lothian
  • To promote best practice in line with the principles of Self Directed Support
  • To increase people's knowledge, awareness and confidence in the use of Self Directed Support
  • To provide an opportunity for people to share and learn from lived experience of Self Directed Support
  • To support access to local independent Self Directed Support information, advice and support
  • To develop positive relationships with local partners to promote improvement in Self Directed Support provision

 

What We Do

Monthly Meetings: Join our friendly online meetings on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 12:45 to 2:15 PM to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others. Topics we often talk about include:

  • Choosing the right Self Directed Support option for you.

  • Managing your Self Directed Support budget.

  • Finding personal assistants or care providers.

  • Understanding your rights and responsibilities.

  • Support for unpaid carers

  • Signposting to other sources of information and support    

                                                                                                             

Twice-Yearly Events: We hold bigger events twice a year, bringing people together to talk together, share ideas, and learn about updates in Self Directed Support.

Guest Speakers: we invite people with a range of experience in health and social care in Scotland to come and talk about topics of interest.

Online Community: Join our West Lothian Self Directed Support Forum Facebook Group to stay connected, share tips, ask questions, and find support between meetings.

You can find us here: West Lothian SDS Forum Facebook Group (opens new window) 

Raising Issues: We share learning and feedback from our members with key decision-makers and planning groups in health, social care, and carers' support. This helps make sure services meet the needs of everyone in West Lothian.

 

How to Get Involved

Come Along to Our Meetings: We'd love to see you at one of our online monthly meetings!

Contact Us: If you're interested in getting involved or coming along to a meeting, please get in touch:

Tel.: Ann Marie 07890830765

Email: westlothianSDSforum@outlook.com (opens new window)

Join Our Facebook Group: Stay connected with others and share tips and ideas online. Visit our group here: West Lothian SDS Forum Facebook Group (opens new window)

Sign up to our regular mailing list for further information.

 

Why Join Us?

We're here to support and learn from each other. By working together, we can make Self Directed Support work better for everyone in West Lothian. 

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