Self-direction (PDF)

Self-direction: The key to a better life is written by self direct, a social enterprise founded on the principle that people with personal experience of health and social care services are equal experts and should drive any changes. Self direct supports organisations to implement self-directed support and its members now support over 110,000 people to take control of their lives. This manual introduces readers to self direct and self-directed support with background information on the organisation and its work. There is guidance on areas to avoid and improve when supporting someone to take control of their life and Dr Simon Duffy outlines the practical implications of putting self-directed support into practice. The main focus of the manual is on success stories from self direct members, which show how people's lives dramatically improve when the core Principles of Self-directed Support are put into practice. The seven principles of independent living, entitlement, self-determination, openness, flexibility, learning and contribution can be used to assess whether people are being supported to achieve self-direction in their lives. Organisations including Aspire, the Enable Group and MacIntyre provide inspiring, real life examples to show how people they support are successfully leading the lives they want as a result of directing their own support.