Pilot scheme for people in need

MORE than 1,000 people from Oldham who rely on social care services have been chosen to test a new national scheme to radically change the system.

Oldham is one of six local authorities picked for their forward-thinking to try out a new web-based technology system which hopes to simplify the process.

It is aimed at people who are awarded individual budgets to buy social care to help keep them in their own homes

And it means they will be able to use a password to allow them access to a secure site where they can manage the money allocated to them, order services, and seek information and advice.

Currently people have to trawl through a wide range of information and contact service providers to find what they need.

This one-stop website, Shop 4 Support, for the first time brings together a wealth of information about support available for people with a budget for buying social care. Paul Davies, Oldham’s service director for adult social care, said: “We are really pleased to be taking part in the pilot as it will offer so much more choice for service users.

“At the moment we have 1,176 people on individual budgets and we are hoping that the simplicity of Shop 4 Support will encourage even more people to take control of their lives in this way.”

Oldham council and the other five councils involved have teamed up with a national organisation called in Control to pilot the scheme. A spokeswoman involved in its launch next Monday said: “Previously, it was laid out by local authorities which services people could have.

“For many with more complicated support needs it was quite restrictive.

“With individual budgets, people have an amount agreed and they can spend it pretty much on anything that will help them support themselves — from a home carer or personal assistance, to equipment, so people can take control of their lives and the way they live.”