Get help with Self-directed Support

The easy guide to care and support in Scotland

If you are looking for social care help in Scotland, want support as a Personal Assistant Employer or Personal Assistant, you are in the right place. You might be looking for support for yourself, a family member or someone you care for.

The Handbooks have been designed to help you navigate self-directed support in Scotland. Navigating social care can sometimes be confusing, challenging or stressful. The Handbooks aim to make it easier by guiding you through, step by step.

You might find it easier to read the Handbook in stages, or search for information about a specific issue. It may feel like a lot of information at once, so you can also ask Clara, the Handbook’s Artificial Intelligence assistant.

Ask Clara questions by clicking the button at the bottom right, or by phoning 0800 841 1321 to start a conversation.

And please be reassured, there is lots of help available. You can find out more about getting a social care assessment, find guidance on drafting a contract of employment for your Personal Assistant, or a guide on how to set up as a self-employed Personal Assistant. We’ve included links to places you can get help every step of the way.

Looking for help and advice around Self-directed Support?
Are you employing or thinking of employing personal assistants?
Are you a personal assistant or thinking of becoming a personal assistant?

Disclaimer

Please note that the information contained in this Handbook is provided for guidance purposes only. Every reasonable effort is made to make the information accurate and up to date, but no responsibility for its accuracy and correctness, or for any consequences of relying on it, is assumed by Self Directed Support Scotland or any other contributing party.

The information does not, and is not intended to, amount to legal advice. You are strongly advised to obtain specific, personal and professional advice from a lawyer about employment law matters, or an accountant/ tax specialist about taxation matters, and from HMRC and your insurers. You should not rely solely on the information in this Handbook. Support organisations listed in this Handbook can help you find appropriate sources of advice.