Direct Payments for Black and Minority Ethnic groups

Direct Payments is a great way for those in need of social care support to take greater control of the services they receive. The flexibility it offers allows for greater creativity around the way social care is delivered.

The money can be used in a variety of ways to meet social care needs - arranging care or support, buying equipment, or even pooling together with friends to arrange activities or events.

If a specific language skill or cultural awareness is required in a carer or support worker, Direct Payments can help you to employ just the right person for the job.

The BME Direct Payments Project

The aim of the BME Direct Payments project is to improve access to the Direct Payments service for Hampshire’s Black and Minority Ethnic communities.

The BME Direct Payments Project Worker is working with both the Direct Payments Officers and the BME Community Development Officers to support Adult Services staff, and the communities they serve, to make best use of the opportunities Direct Payments presents.

Direct Payments surgeries held around the county provide community groups with information and advice about Direct Payments and allow the chance to find out more about the services offered by Adult Services Department in each district.

Further information

• If you, or members of your local community, would like to learn more about Direct Payments please contact the BME Direct Payments Project Worker, Ed Walton at : edward.walton@hants.gov.uk
• Direct Payments homepage
• The BME Community Development service