A new phase of the Support in the Right Direction (SiRD) programme was launched today (Wednesday 12 July) to fund independent support services and help people use self-directed support options to organise and manage their social care and support across Scotland.
Running from April 2024 to March 2027, applications are now open until midday on Friday 15th September 2023 for the fund, which will see £3m per year available across Scotland.
The SiRD programme is funded by the Scottish Government and is managed by Inspiring Scotland, and aims to ensure that people who use social care have access to independent support, advice, and advocacy, wherever they live in Scotland.
Self-directed support is an integral part of social care, giving people choice and control over the type of support they want, who provides it and how it is delivered. Independent support, which SiRD will focus on helps people get information and advice on social care and the range of self-directed support options in order to choose the best option for them. Without it, care users and carers might not be able to access the social care they need, or make use of it in the way they would like.
Previous rounds of funding through SiRD have increased and maintained delivery of independent support across Scotland for people who require social care. Since 2018 more than £11 million has been invested. This investment has supported more than 14,000 people and families to plan and implement the social care support they need to live a good life.
Independent support services can now apply for SiRD funding to deliver independent support between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2027. For more information and how to apply, please visit inspiringscotland.org.uk/support-in-the-right-direction-2024-2027/
Applications close midday on Friday 15th September 2023.
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