Voluntary Sector Follow Up Event - Direct Payments

Voluntary and Community Sector Follow Up Event

Exploring new opportunities for Direct Payment delivery

· Could you offer creative and innovative wellbeing activities for people with care needs?

· Interested in generating additional income for your organisation?

Read on….

Tuesday 9th September 2025, 1:30 – 3:30

DY1 Hall, DY1 building, Stafford Street, Dudley, DY1 1RT

Background Context

The future of direct payments in adult social care is evolving towards increased personalisation and flexibility. Local authorities are striving to support individuals in having more choice and control over their care and support. This includes exploring innovative ways to enable individuals to manage their own budgets to meet their health, care and wellbeing needs.

Direct payments are seen as a key tool for enabling individuals to have a greater say in how their needs are met, and for maximizing their independence. Local authorities are recognising the importance of supporting community organisations in assisting individuals with managing their direct payments and providing creative health and wellbeing activities/services. This could include individuals using their own direct payments to take part in activities such as: art classes, walking groups and other wellbeing activities etc. This will open up opportunities for income generation for the voluntary and community sector.

Dudley CVS in partnership with Dudley MBC held its first meeting in May. This follow up event will provide the opportunity to:

· Learn from another voluntary sector provider in receipt of direct payment clients eg how it works, how they support people etc.

· Listen to a Dudley resident in receipt of a direct payment eg benefits, how it helps them etc.

· Learn about how Dudley MBC’s Direct Payment team can help support the sector.

· View an example of a support plan.

· Continue to explore opportunities for developing the voluntary sector market to respond to peoples needs who have a Direct Payment to spend.

· Help contribute to a bespoke voluntary sector provider list to promote your services to individuals.

· Continue to coproduce ideas and actions to drive forward voluntary sector involvement in the direct payment agenda.

For more information, please contact Kate Green, 01384 573381.

Email: kategreen@dudleycvs.org.uk