Social Care
Adult Social Care Direct Payments
If you receive support from Adult Social Care and the Council contributes towards your care costs, you may be able to choose a Direct Payment.
Instead of the Council arranging and paying for your care, a Direct Payment gives you the money to arrange your own support, giving you greater choice, flexibility and control over how your care is delivered.
For example, you could use a Direct Payment to employ a Personal Assistant, buy support from a care agency, attend community activities, enjoy trips out with support, or arrange respite care to give your usual carer a break. You can even choose a combination of Council-arranged and self-managed support. The support you choose must meet the outcomes agreed in your Care and Support Plan and provide good value for money.
To receive a Direct Payment, you’ll need a care needs assessment and a financial assessment. If you’re new to Adult Social Care, speak to your social worker or call 020 8303 7777. If you already receive long-term support and would like to switch to Direct Payments, call 020 3045 3033 or email brokeragecommissioningteam@bexley.gov.uk.
Our new Direct Payment Support Service is available to offer advice and practical support, including help with payroll, employer responsibilities and making the most of your Direct Payment.
Adult Social Care advice comes to Crayford Library
Crayford Library is now open on Tuesdays and Thursdays as part of Your Life, Your Choice Days, a new initiative bringing Adult Social Care advice and support closer to residents and carers in the heart of the community.
The initiative aims to make it easier for adults, families and carers to access information, advice and guidance in a familiar and welcoming environment. Adult Social Care staff will be available at the library every Tuesday and Thursday, allowing residents to drop in, ask questions and speak face-to-face with someone who can help. Social workers will provide general Adult Social Care advice, helping people understand their options, navigate local care and support services and access the information they need to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
Residents will also be able to get advice on paying for care, Lasting Power of Attorney, Deputyship and support available for carers, as well as view and try a range of small aids and equipment designed to help people live independently for longer.
Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said:
Libraries are valued community spaces where residents already come together to access information, support and services. Bringing more Council services into these spaces makes it easier for people to get the advice they need, closer to home."
Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:
Your Life, Your Choice is about helping residents make informed choices and stay independent for as long as possible. By bringing Adult Social Care into Crayford Library, we are creating a welcoming space where people can ask questions, receive general Adult Social Care advice, navigate the support available to them, explore their options and access support when they need it."
Your Life, Your Choice Days will take place every Tuesday and Thursday, with Adult Social Care staff available from 9am to 5pm.
The self-service library will also be available, allowing residents to borrow books and access computers and Wi-Fi.
Supporting unpaid carers in Bexley
Unpaid carers play a vital role in our communities, providing care and support to family members, friends and neighbours. Their dedication, compassion and commitment often make an enormous difference to the lives of those they care for.
The Bexley Carers’ Partnership Board brings together carers, the Council, health partners and local charities to ensure carers’ voices are heard and to help shape the support available across the Borough. By sharing their experiences and ideas, carers help influence how services develop and ensure support meets the needs of local people.
During June, Bexley hosted a range of free events for unpaid carers, providing opportunities to access information and advice, connect with others and take some time for themselves.
Events included a carers’ information and wellbeing event at the Bexley Holiday Inn, where carers met local support organisations, accessed advice on a range of topics and took part in wellbeing activities. Further events, including the Bexley Voice SEND Summer Marketplace at Danson Youth Centre and an event at Belvedere Gurdwara, provided opportunities for carers to find out more about local support, enjoy activities and meet others with shared experiences.
Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:
Unpaid carers make an incredible contribution to our Borough, often providing vital support behind the scenes every day. It is important that carers feel recognised, valued and supported. The events held during June were a wonderful opportunity to share information and bring our caring community together.”
The Bexley Carers Guide provides useful information about local services, advice and support available to unpaid carers. Whether you are new to caring or have been supporting someone for many years, the guide can help you find the right support at the right time.
Discover Your Life, Your Choice Bexley
Finding the right support has never been easier. Your Life, Your Choice Bexley is a free online directory designed to help adults discover local care, support and wellbeing services, all in one place.
Whether you are looking for personal care, social activities, equipment and adaptations, short breaks away from home, short break services at home, or other support to help you live independently, the platform makes it simple to search, compare and connect with trusted local providers.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the directory puts you in control, helping you make informed choices about the support that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Whether you are planning ahead, supporting a loved one, or looking for services right now, there is a growing range of local options to explore.
Start exploring today and discover the support, activities and services available across Bexley to help you live well, stay independent and remain connected to your community.