Personal Stories
Quick links to the case studies:
'The care system will work for me'
'We've never looked back'
‘I am really happy, and living the life I want to live.’
'Not being a client helps'
There are already hundreds of people in Oxfordshire who are reaping the benefits of self directed support, personal budgets and the flexibility offered by direct payments. Below are recent personal stories of local people who have taken control of their care and support through support planning and imaginative use of available funds for care.
Oxford-based Mark Fysh is the Oxford County Local Government branch secretary of Unison and a lead officer on the TUC’s General Council. He is also a wheelchair user. Here he explains how he hopes personal budgets will improve his overall quality of life.
Luke Davey has lived in sheltered housing near Berinsfield for 12 years. Despite being diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy and near-blindness, since his late teens he was determined to live as independent a life as possible. His mother, Jasmine, explains how an early introduction to personal budgets has made a world of difference to their lives.
Direct payments have helped Jenna Witcher, from Kidlington, live the life she wants to live, from holding down a job to going out in the evenings with her Friendship Group. Jenna has a learning disability.
Re-energize is a local user-led mental health sports and social group about recovery, relapse prevention, social inclusion and choice. Re-energize is an alternative to ‘regular’ services with members supporting one another.
Re-energize manager Koula Serle explains how the group works for its members.
