Research shows value of independent SDS support
New research published by Self Directed Support Scotland has demonstrated the value people place on having independent help to access social care support.
The By My Side research, conducted over March and April 2024, aimed to understand more about people’s experiences of accessing Independent SDS Support organisations (ISOs) across the country, such as Independent SDS Information and Support services funded through Support in the Right Direction, advocacy organisations and carers’ centres.
The research, conducted in the form of a survey, found that:
- 86% of respondents found independent support to be ‘Essential’ or ‘Very helpful’
- People accessed independent support from multiple ISOs during their social care journey
- Most people found out about independent support through their Local Authority
- Most people found ISOs to be accessible, to provide high quality support and to make a positive difference to them being able to access social care support.
While the research illustrates the need for quality independent support, it also highlights a range of barriers people face to accessing this help, including:
- support not being available throughout the whole journey to accessing social care
- there being a waiting list to access independent support
- difficulties in contacting ISOs
- lack of awareness of ISOs.
Based on the research, a number of recommendations have been made that will improve people’s access to independent SDS Support. These include:
- accessible information should be available on ISO services, their availability and scope
- ISOs should be promoted to key local partners, with referral pathways developed particularly from Local Authorities
- there is a need to identify and address gaps in ISO support
- there is a need to ensure equality of access to Independent Support for all who need it.
Following the conclusion of the research, Self Directed Support Scotland are now focusing on taking forward its recommendations, with a focus on seeking to understand experiences from Local Authority areas where responses to the survey were low, and to take forward work to address gaps in independent support.
You can access a summary of the research findings and recommendations here. A full research report will be published soon and this page will be updated when it is available.
