“I use it for my health and wellbeing like going to the gym. It’s been really beneficial. It’s nice to have a bit of time out now and then,” said carer Josephine about direct payments that help her take control of her care. 

When Josephine first received direct payments, it was to supporting her 2 adult sons who have additional care and support needs. Now, she receives a direct payment herself and says carers need to be healthy in order to support their loved ones. 

To help more people understand how direct payments work, and how you can take more control over your care or get support as a carer, Ealing Council has created a new booklet. There are also an easy read version and a short animation on YouTube for those who need it.  

What are direct payments? 

Direct payments are funds provided by the council to people who have been assessed as needing care or support, allowing them to arrange their own services. Instead of the council arranging services, you receive money to organise your own support in a way that suits you best. 

There are 2 types: 

• for people who need care – to pay for things like a personal assistant, day centre or care agency 

• for unpaid carers – to support your own wellbeing, such as a gym membership or short break, massage or therapeutic treatment  

Josephine was part of a group that helped shape the new materials. The aim was to make information clearer and more accessible for everyone, including carers, service users and council staff. Residents can join a direct payment user group to meet others and learn more. To get involved, email: erscaginfo@gmail.com. 

‘It points you in the right direction’ 

She said: “The animation was short, sweet and very self-explanatory – really helpful for people whose first language isn’t English. I thought it was easy to understand and covered all the basics in a short space of time.” 

She added: “We looked at the older version (of the booklet) and agreed there were quite a few things we wanted to improve. That’s when I suggested adding an animation and making the booklet more user-friendly.” 

The booklet also includes information about other support available in the borough. 

She said: “It’s really informative – not just about direct payments, but also about dementia, other types of care and different conditions. It points you in the right direction.” 

Josephine said the process starts with an assessment – and that’s what really matters. 

“It’s all well and good reading the booklet or being told you’re entitled to something, but it’s the assessment process that really matters,” she said.  

Giving residents more choice 

Last year, the council increased the number of residents receiving an outcome within 10 days of contacting adult social care by more than 200%. 

Josephine explained: “For me, both my boys receive direct payments, which helps cover the cost of their day care. They go to different centres.” 

Councillor Polly Knewstub, the council’s cabinet member for healthy equal lives, said: “Direct payments are a powerful way to give people more choice and control over their care. We want residents to feel confident and supported in making decisions that work for them and their families. That’s why we’ve worked closely with service users and carers to jointly produce clear, accessible information, including this new booklet and animation, so that more people across our borough can benefit.” 

The new booklet is available to read online (hyperlink). Printed copies will be shared through local networks, for example at the Carers Hub, Perceval House and other community spaces. You can also find out more at the weekly carers’ coffee morning, run by Ealing Carers Hub every Tuesday from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Sycamore Lodge in Acton. 

If you would like a hard copy of the booklet or the easy read version posted to you, please email ealingdirect@ealing.gov.uk with your name and address.