The first in Think Local Act Personal’s new webinar series, Creative Support Planning and Direct Payments, brought together people from across the country to explore how creativity can help make support more truly person-centred.
For me, it was an energising session – full of enthusiasm and shared ideas. Sometimes I worry I’m “banging the same old drum”, but I keep doing it because this message really matters: care and support plans need to be person-centred and focused on outcomes. That’s what gives people the flexibility to use their Direct Payments in ways that really work for them.
I count myself lucky to live in Sheffield, where Direct Payments tend to be managed quite well. But there’s still more to do to make sure that this way of working is consistent everywhere. Everyone involved – including social workers and care managers – needs the right support and confidence to put the person at the heart of planning.
I’m not the same as any other person with a brain injury, and that’s true for everyone. We’re all shaped by our lives, our communities and our ambitions. Sixteen years ago, after my brain injury, I felt empowered by the social workers I worked with in Sheffield. They encouraged me to apply to join the National Co-production Advisory Group with TLAP – and that experience opened up a whole new world for me.
Since then, I’ve seen just how powerful Direct Payments can be when people are supported to use them creatively. For me, my trike and my dog, Ronnie, are central to living life well. The trike isn’t just about exercise – it’s my independence. It gets me out into the community, keeps me active, and gives me a sense of freedom that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Ronnie comes with me most of the time, trotting alongside, reminding me what life is all about.
Recently, I had a problem with my “trike cave” – the shed where I keep it. The doors opened outwards, which made it really difficult for me to get the trike in and out safely. I spoke with my Direct Payments team at the council and asked whether I could use some of my payment to fit electric, vertical shutters instead. They said yes, recognising that this small change clearly supported my outcomes – helping me stay mobile, independent and connected. It’s a perfect example of what creative, person-centred planning can achieve when people are trusted to know what works best for them.
That’s why I was delighted to become a Direct Payments Peer Supporter this week – helping others think about what matters most in their lives and how they can use their Direct Payments to make it happen.
It was also encouraging to hear what’s happening in other parts of the country, and to know that lived experience voices like mine and Jacqui’s are being heard. Having Ben join from the Department of Health and Social Care was great too – and I hope we managed to get across how essential creativity and person-centred planning are in shaping support that truly reflects people’s lives and aspirations.
I feel more disabled these days – partly because of some recent injuries – but I’m also learning to accept change and to value the power of sharing experiences. And I’ve realised that maybe banging the same drum isn’t such a bad thing after all – because it’s an important one to keep on banging.
Explore the full programme of our Reinvigorating Direct Payments webinar series to learn more about how we can make Direct Payments work better for everyone.
