Self Directed Support Information, Advice and Support Service
Here to help you understand and explore your options, choose your own outcomes and support you to make your own decisions about self directed support (often referred to as SDS). We also share stories from people who are now in receipt of self directed support who share their experiences, their journey and how it has changed their life. Phone us on 01592 803280 / E: enquiries.sds@dphsfife.org.uk
Our staff are able to offer people telephone and email support answering queries. Although there are no face-to-face appointments due to Covid19. We are still contactable on T: 01592 803280 and E: enquiries.sds@dphsfife.org.uk
DPH & SDS Service (Fife), Caledonia House, Pentland Park, Saltire Centre, Glenrothes, Fife, KY6 2AQ If you would like to refer yourself to Disabled Persons Housing & SDS Service (Fife) you can do so at any time by completing the Referral form which you will find
here

********Update re Coronavirus******** Updated 15/2/21
- PA vaccinations are now underway . Health & Social Care Partnership (NHS Dep Director of Public Health)/Fife Council letters have been emailed/sent out to all Employers of PA's with a contact phone number. Please call us on 01592 803280 if you experience any difficulties.
- Unpaid carers are a priority group for vaccination, but it may be another 4 weeks approx before they are contacted. An unpaid carer must be registered as an unpaid carer with either Fife Carers Centre 01592 205472 / By Text 07881691391 or E: centre@fifecarers.co.uk or their GP so that they can be contacted.
- £500 one-off payment for PA's - Last update 15/2/2021 We are receiving a volume of calls regarding the £500 on-off payment for PA's The vaccine roll-out has naturally taken priority. On the website the last update from the Scottish Government was 23 Dec 2020 link refers -- Coronavirus (COVID-19): £500 payment for health and social care staff - questions and answers - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) There was confusion that lines were open until today Feb 15th for social care staff to apply but now the info has been updated that it is for providers to apply for the funds at this time. Local authorities, PA’s and hospices will be notified soon with regards to how they can apply. As soon as we know we will blog, update websites and social media. Meantime, check out the link.£500 bonus for Personal Assistants – update - Self Directed Support Scotland | Self Directed Support Scotland (sdsscotland.org.uk)Please see our Blog - Update on payment to thank health and social care staff - SDS Options (Fife).
- Any PA's who are shielding - their payments are different - as soon as we know updates we will post here. Please see our Blog - Scottish Government press release - Shielding P.A.'s benefit - SDS Options (Fife)
- *Scam Alert* - Be extra vigilant with scam Covid texts - SDS Options (Fife) We have been alerted by a Scottish Care member that one of their care staff has been scammed. They received a phone call from someone claiming that they are from the Scottish Government and asked for their bank details to be shared to get their £500 Covid-19 bonus payment. The scammer then used these details to access their bank account. Please note: You will never be asked to disclose any personal details or your bank account details at any time with regard to this payment. Most people will receive the bonus payment via your regular payroll method. Please be alert to any such phone calls.
- Walk-in Testing Centres - Dunfermline and Glenrothes open later today 21/1
- Scottish Government have launched a national Wellbeing Hub for the Health & Social Care Workforce. The hub includes information, help and resources to support for anyone working in social care including Personal Assistants and PA Employers. www.promis.sco
- Information and support for people who are asked to self-isolate because of COVID-19. (support grants) https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-test-and-protect/pages/support-grants/ and; https://www.gov.scot/news/new-grant-for-those-self-isolating/ and; https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-welfare-fund/self-isolation-support-grants/
- A weekly round -up of Agencies offering assistance during COVID 19 click here
- We've had a few queries regarding Personal Assistants - they are essential workers - and the flu vaccine. Booklet refers - Click here

PPE for paid Personal Assistants -.The Scottish Government has committed to providing information and advice and appropriate supplies of PPE.
Here in Fife we already have plans for making PPE available to unpaid carers/family (Fife Carers Centre) and paid Personal Assistants (Sds Options Fife), as well as encouraging unpaid carers to access other support with their caring role.
PPE is available to paid PA's who meet the qualifying criteria.
Please have a look at the "How can Self Directed Support Personal Assistants access PPE?". If you qualify and you need PPE please contact Sds Options Fife as detailed. This is for an SDS paid PA. T: 01592 803280 / E: ppe@sdsoptionsfife.org.uk
On 21/1 a email was sent re Covid-19 Lateral Flow Testing for PA's . SDS PA Employers will now be able to request a LFT Kit so PAs can test regularly and isolate promptly.
Here in Fife we already have plans for making PPE available to unpaid carers/family (Fife Carers Centre) and paid Personal Assistants (Sds Options Fife), as well as encouraging unpaid carers to access other support with their caring role.
PPE is available to paid PA's who meet the qualifying criteria.
Please have a look at the "How can Self Directed Support Personal Assistants access PPE?". If you qualify and you need PPE please contact Sds Options Fife as detailed. This is for an SDS paid PA. T: 01592 803280 / E: ppe@sdsoptionsfife.org.uk
On 21/1 a email was sent re Covid-19 Lateral Flow Testing for PA's . SDS PA Employers will now be able to request a LFT Kit so PAs can test regularly and isolate promptly.
Recruitment
![]() Visit our Employers Advert page, click here - www.sdsoptionsfife.org.uk/employers-adverts.html and/or register with our online PA vacancy list. Make a difference to supporting someone live independently. Apply today! |
Let's talk about....keeping safe and well...
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Did you know?
You can request some of Fife Council services online. If you require a new Meals on Wheels service, or would like to amend a current service (including cancellations and restarts) you can do so here: fife.gov.uk/mealsonwheels If you would like to request a Community Alarms Service, you can do so here: fife.gov.uk/communityalarms Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport issues letter supporting social care support in hospitals
You can read more on our Blog and see a copy of the letter here: Letter 17/11/2020 Jeane Freeman
[UK Living wage £9.30 as of 1 April 2020.] **Scottish Living Wage - For the latest news on the Scottish Living Wage increasing to £9.50 please click on the link below - https://scottishlivingwage.org/what-is-the-real-living-wage/
Useful numbers at a glance:-
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Self - Directed SupportFind out more about Self Directed Support - the four options, what are outcomes, eligibility critiera, and the pathway.
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SDS CommunityTo find out more about our SDS Community T: 01592 803280 / enquiries.sds@dphsfife.org.uk with 'SDS Community' in the subject header. Elevenses happen weekly on Mondays - look forward to meeting you!
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BlogFind out what we've been up to and hear some useful hints and tips from our staff and volunteers.
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What's on?
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Our March 2020 newsletter is now out. You can download it here: https://mailchi.mp/b0eb2f1626fb/sds-options-fife-march-2020-newsletter
If you would like to sign up to our newsletter please fill in the form below.
If you require a word, PDF or printed copy of our newsletter please contact julia.sds@dphsfife.org.uk |
Referral FormYou can download our referral form by clicking on the link below.
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