SDS Options (Fife) and Disabled Person's Housing Service (Fife) will be closed for the holidays from 1pm on Friday 21st December 2018 and re-opening on Thursday 3rd January 2019 at 9am. All the staff wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Some Useful Numbers:

Samaritans - 116 123
Breathing Space - 0800 838587
Social Work Out Of Hours Emergencies - 03451 55 00 99
Adult Protection Phone Line - 01383 602200
Child Protection - Police 101 or Social Work 03451 551503
NHS24 - 111
CARF - 0345 1400 095
Homelesss Emergency Number - 0800 028 6231

We are now advertising for Personal Assistants on our website on behalf of employers. To find out more go to our Employers Adverts Page where we have 2 vacancies advertised.

I walked into the Kirkcaldy shop to enquire about starting as a P.A in the area. After a friendly welcome I was sat down and explained to how I would be able to become this. Some personal details were taken along with a brief note of my employment history. I was then told that the information I gave would become available for people to look at who are looking for a P.A. Since joining I have been contacted three times separately and have secured regular work with people who have looked at my profile and matched us. It`s a very friendly and effective service they provide and always happy to help in any way from training to simply answering questions.
​
I work sessional around my full time job and after getting ready I’ll make my way to the property I am working at. If going shopping isn’t on our daily task lists when I arrive at work,I will call to see if they need anything before I arrive. After arriving, I make us both a cup of coffee and catch up on what’s happened since I was last visiting,unless something needs urgent attention. We discuss what’s required today whether it’s shopping,cooking or a little cleaning before making a game plan for the shift. We will make a shopping list together if required and go out and purchase this together. On our return I will make a meal for him and give the place a tidy while he’s eating. He has recently moved to a new property so most shifts we are still organising what is being kept and what’s not so never a dull moment.
I love this work and built a trusting relationship with my fella. It’s very enjoyable,not like work at all.

Job Title: Self Directed Support Community Co-ordinator
 
Organisation: SDS Options(Fife) part of Disabled Persons Housing Service (Fife)
 
Hours: Part Time (17.5 hours)
 
Postcode: Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 1JN
 
Closing Date: 7th December 2018


SDS Options (Fife) is part of our Independent Living Project here at the Disabled Persons Housing Service (Fife). We are a user led organisation promoting all aspects of Independent Living.
The Independent Living Project aims to ensure that individuals and families have an understanding of what matters to them and how to get the best out of  the Self Directed Support approach to social care. We have a team of dedicated workers who aim to support individuals and families along the whole way of their SDS journey from general awareness about options through to practical support once an option has been chosen.
We think this independent, person centred and tailored approach works but people also value opportunities to speak to and learn from others in similar circumstances. We want to help create a SDS Community in Fife that looks to share perspectives, support and learn from each other and co-produce solutions that empower individuals.
 
We are looking for a dynamic and creative individual who will connect people around their shared experiences of Self Directed Support This connection will take many forms, be co-produced and involve face-face and virtual connections.
We are looking for someone who:
Understands the social model of disability and the value of independent support and advice.
Feels comfortable with engaging and listening to people in direct (face-face and group) and indirect (virtual and remote) ways.
Can evidence skills, experience and knowledge in areas such as facilitation, co-production, community-building or SDS.
 
The post is funded by the Scottish Government until March 2021 subject to annual review. The post includes a probationary period up to 31 March 2019.
We can offer you a supportive and learning environment as part of a small team working to ensure that people in Fife get access to independent information, advice and support on housing and social care. We are in the process of restructuring our organisation and will shortly be offering enhanced terms and conditions to all staff.
 
If you have any questions regarding this position please contact Ian Fricker, SDS Coordinator on 01592 803282 or email ian.sds@dphsfife.org.uk
 
Application notes
Closing date: 7th December 2018
Interviews to be held early January

You can download their activity programme below. Please note that Marie is no longer part of the project and her phone number is not in use any more.

1)  How does your SDS work for you?
 
I get out more and to different places now.  Marylin comes to me once a week on a Friday from Crossroads. We can use the low rider bus service and it's very good but sometimes we need to use taxis.  Money for transport comes out of my budget. We go to the Theatre, shopping, Edinburgh and Dundee.  My goal for this week is to get to Dunfermline to see a bench with name plaque's on dedicated to my friend and her husband.  She passed away 2 years ago and I would like to go there and see it in person.
 
2)  How do the payments work?  Do you use an accountant?
 
I don’t pay anything thing.  Quill does it for me.

3)  How does Marylin from Crossroads assist you?
 
She takes me out places.  She helps with light domestic duties like tidying up, ironing a few items and sometimes she hangs stuff up for me if I can't reach.
 
4)  Has SDS made a positive difference to you life?
 
Yes, I can now do food shopping once a week and get big items that Marylin helps bring home in the taxi.