Self Directed Support (SDS) is based on the principles that people have informed choice , control and flexibility about the way that their social care and support is provided to them.
GAMH SDS support team are experienced in working with people with mental health problems and related needs and benefit from relevant ongoing training. Staff are recruited under safe recruitment guidelines, including the requirement to become members of the Protection of Vulnerable Adult (PVG)Scheme, provide acceptable references and complete a Preparation for Practice Induction Award before starting their support work with individuals. The service is also registered with the Care Inspectorate and has consistently received high scores at inspections. These reports can be read from our resources page under GAMH Inspections and corporate reports.
Support can be offered on a one to one basis and is available 7 days per week ,both during the day and in evenings and at weekends. We take the view that you are the expert in your own life and recovery and our approach to support planning reflects these values. Workers will support you to design a support plan based on your perspective of your needs and the goals and outcomes you want to achieve. Support plans are then reviewed and adjusted regularly to ensure that support continues to be relevant to your needs and is producing the outcomes that you want.
We also facilitate weekly groups which highlight the importance of positive behaviours known to support good mental health and wellbeing. These groups encourage you be active and get involved with purposeful activities. The aim is to build on your existing skills and interests and to support you to widen your network of support, activities and take part in your local community.
Referral Routes
This service is open to people who have been referred to GAMH by Social Work or who choose to self-fund.
Social Work Referrals
To access our service through this route you must go through an assessment with social work services, once this has been agreed you will decide on and set out a support plan which identifies what you want from support including your outcomes and a budget . This is done in partnership with your social worker or care manager who will also help you choose the right support provider for you..
Self Funders
Some people prefer to refer themselves and self fund for the costs of their support or that of a family member . If you choose this route one of our staff will meet you to describe what types of support are available which we then tailor to meet your own specific needs and outcomes. This gives you the opportunity to assess for yourself if the support and our support workers are right for your own situation.
If you would like to find out more about our service please contact Alice McLaughlin, Project Leader on 0141-558-0943 or using the contact form.