Some people who receive a Direct Payment have kindly shared their stories with us. For further information on what Direct Payments can be used for, or your own stories, please contact our Direct Payments Team.
Helping a young man express himself in song, even though he can't speak!
Kyle is a nonverbal autistic singer from Cornwall. Kyle receives a Direct Payment from Cornwall Council. Through creative support planning, he uses this to pay for his music lessons.
Following the discovery that he could sing in 2011 after living most of his life in silence, Kyle recorded and released his debut album, 'Therefore I Am'. This is a collection of his favourite songs, which features one track written especially for him, entitled ' Just Listen'.
Since then, by request, Kyle has performed a number of small gigs throughout the South West. Kyle's confidence and communication skills continue to develop week on week. He has built up a following the world over who have been inspired by his extraordinary talent and his music.
Kyle released an album of original material, written for him, in 2014, and has been recording and performing since then.
Continues to have DPs and singing lessons,
Freedom, variety and fulfilment
Our son R has been in receipt of direct payments for 14 years. This has enabled him to have a varied and fulfilled life which would not have been possible without the flexibility of direct payments. With this funding and the help of his parents he has created a structured week which he enjoys and which gives him purpose. With the direction of good PAs, R’s week comprises a cardboard recycling service, voluntary work, and time at the gym, all of which he does with friends, and not forgetting the monthly pub night.
Getting stuck into a special interest and making a difference to others
Our son W, who is 27, has Noonan's Syndrome, Autism, learning disabilities and other complex medical needs, and cannot live independently. He uses his Direct Payments to spend time on his areas of special interest, with appropriate support.
One of his obsessions is trains, and particularly the Great Western Railway. The GWR team at Truro has been very supportive of W and has provided him with a 'work experience' placement since he left Truro College.
He 'works' at Truro station with PA support two days a week, where he undertakes a range of duties including keeping the station clean, looking after the plants, and assisting passengers.
In 2020, GWR held an 'Excellence Awards' competition for staff across the region. The Truro station staff entry was 'Inclusion' based around their support for W and other young people.
They were the overall winners, and W went along to Bristol for the weekend with his PA, the station manager, and Truro station staff to receive their awards.
W also has 5 hours of PA support at weekends, which invariably involves a train trip on GWR.
W also enjoys cooking and gardening and has a placement at the Kehelland Trust near Camborne, funded by his Direct Payments.
He goes there on the other three days of the week, travelling by train from Truro station.
W has a great relationship with Truro station staff with whom he has contact six days a week, and Truro station provides a real 'safe space' for him.
When he is not out, W spends all his time either on his computer looking at train related websites and videos or checking his several 'live' train departure boards, to check on the train services.
He would do this all the time if he didn't receive his Direct Payment to fund his 'supported lifestyle'.
Gardening and being part of his community
J, a 75-year-old with mobility challenges, wants to continue living in his home, where he enjoys gardening and spending time with his neighbours. This is important to him, so when he was assessed, the information helped create a support plan just for him. The plan includes Direct Payments to hire a Personal Assistant, who assists him with gardening and taking him to local social events. This has allowed J to stay active in his community.
Staying connected and interacting 'his way'
S enjoys staying in touch with family and friends, although he finds face to face communication difficult and at times overwhelming. He loves art, theme parks and going to the gym.
S used his iPad to communicate, so he used a Direct Payment to part-fund a replacement when his old one broke. This allowed him to connect with his community and enjoy his passion for art, which helped improve his wellbeing.
S also has PA’s who he sees as friends, who help him access the community his way. S enjoys the gym, which is good for his physical and emotional wellbeing. To meet this personal outcome, he was able to rent a garage space and create a gym area where he could be supported by his PA’s to keep fit in a safe space.
Continuing to garden for mental health and community
In his early 80’s, D has lived on his own since his wife died 20 years ago. He has been a keen and prolific gardener for decades; his garden was admired by the neighbours who would talk to him when he was out there. He became depressed as he could not keep on top of it, and had got to the stage where he could not look out of the window. He needed support with getting his shoes and socks on in the morning.
D used his budget to hire a Personal Assistant, and buy materials to create a raised garden. This allows him to use his passion and skills in gardening, connect with his community, and feel better overall.