Tameside Direct Payments

Tameside Mutual Support Group

We would like to welcome all people interested in Direct Payments.

• Who we are
• What we have achieved in the past
• What we are doing at present
• What do we hope to achieve in the future?

Who We Are

We are Customers, Personal Assistants and Carers of Customers on Direct Payments who have created our own peer support group.

What we have achieved in the past

We have:

• Promoted independence, choice and control for disabled people
• Customers supporting Customers
• Raised awareness of the needs of Direct Payment users
• Provided advocacy
• Provided representation at Steering Group meetings along with the local authority and members of the Forum of Disabled People.

What We Are Doing at Present

Everything in the past is also our present...

Plus:

• Regular get-together's to provide support, advice and networking
• Drop-in Centre for Customers to use facilities, i.e. computer, kettle, informal chat, meet 'n' greet, etc.
• Informal sessions providing help and assistance with the computer and other office equipment.
• Information library updated and utilised by customers
• Professional support available from the Tameside Direct Payments Support Centre based at the Drop-In Centre.

What Do We Hope to Achieve in the Future?

The Past and Present is still very much part of our future.

We also aim to:

• Communicate with other Direct Payments customer groups around the country
• Provide the best possible support to all Tameside Direct Payments customers
• Apply for more funding for training, trips and more facilities for the Drop-In Centre
• Produce a Newsletter to raise awareness of the group
• Continue to promote independence, choice and control for disabled people.