International recognition for Council's frontline services

12.38.48pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 25th Jul 2008

• THE South Australian Shadow Minister for Disability, Stephen Wade, visited the borough this week to learn first-hand about the Council's new approach to Social Services funding.

The minister met with Council representatives at Sheen Lane Centre on Tuesday to discuss Self Directed Support. Self Directed Support, which was launched earlier this year, gives residents the freedom to choose and control the support they receive. Residents who are eligible for help are given their own 'individual budget'. They have the choice of managing the money themselves, letting staff manage it on their behalf, or a mixture of both.

Cllr Denise Carr, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing on Richmond Council, said: "We were delighted to host this visit and it is very encouraging that our new approach to Social Services is receiving international interest and recognition. I look forward to seeing people benefiting from having more choice and control over the care they receive."