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What is a Personal Budget? A Personal Budget is a sum of money from the local Council to help a person who has care and support needs to pay for services. This sum of money can be paid as a Direct Payment or paid directly to services. Are you eligible? Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind can provide information about Personal Budgets available from local Councils (Middlesbrough Council and Stockton Council) and help you decide whether or not to apply. Completing the forms If you decide to apply, or are having your care needs reviewed by the Council, we can help you complete the Council's self-assessment (or care assessment) forms. Support planning If you have been allocated a Personal Budget, we can help you create your support plan. You might want a written plan, to use photos or pictures, or to record your plan on tape or video. We will then work with you and the Council to get your plan agreed. Once your support plan has been agreed, we can provide help and advice to make sure your budget buys everything you need (or as far as possible), including any free activities you can access to keep costs down. We will provide you with information about all of the services available in your area so that you can make an informed decision. If you need it, we can help with recruiting a personal assistant and organising your money.
Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind's support services Some parts of your support plan could be met by using Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind's support services. Personal Assistants Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind can provide personal assistants to help you with:
We will agree your needs with you and provide you with a trained personal assistant, specialising in mental health. Mentoring Service Our mentoring service can provide you with one-to-one support to help you achieve specific goals. We will help you identify your goals and aspirations and match you up with an appropriate mentor based on the qualities you like in a person - interests, hobbies, skills and experience. A paid or volunteer mentor will work with you for between 6 and 9 months to help you reach your goals. A mentor can help you in many ways, providing emotional and practical support, attending meetings or appointments with you if they are related to your goals, and helping you overcome barriers. Group activities If you want to meet other people and enjoy hobbies or activities with others, we can provide social activities such as photography group, craft group, relaxation or walking groups or setting up allotments, or support to attend a group run by another organisation. Help for families We can provide support if you need a break from your caring responsibilities or time to look after your own well-being, or spend time on your own interests. This might include a trained worker checking in with or staying with your family member whilst you are doing other things. Advocacy If you are not happy about any decision your Council makes, or there are delays in the process, we may be able to help by providing advocacy, or refer you to another advocacy service such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. For more information, please contact: Emma Howitt or Christine Fox Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind The Mind Centre 90-92 Lothian Road Middlesbrough TS4 2QX
Tel: 01642 257020 Email services@middlesbroughandstocktonmind.org.uk
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