North Lanarkshire Council is currently in search of a partner to assist residents in accessing social work services. The council, through the local health and social care partnership, aims to set up a service offering guidance and support for individuals who self-fund staff using money allocated by the social work department under the self-directed social work system.
To aid budget holders in returning unused funds to the council, the council has issued a call for a contractor. The support provided by the partner should be offered through various means, including in-person interactions. Interested parties can apply to the council through the Public Contracts Scotland tendering system, with a deadline set for November 4.
The introduction of the Social Care (Self-directed Support) Act in 2013 was designed to grant individuals more control and choice regarding their care. However, reports following the implementation of the legislation have highlighted the need for consistent application and increased national oversight.
Moreover, North Lanarkshire Council is also looking to collaborate with third-party organisations to deliver services that support unpaid carers in the region. A contract has been advertised to engage organisations capable of offering assistance to both adult and young unpaid carers, aligning with the obligations outlined in the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 and Self-Directed Support (Scotland) Act 2013.
Specific areas of focus within these services include condition-specific support for carers of individuals with dementia and post-hospital discharge support. The appointed organisation will be expected to aid in the development of adult carer support plans, disbursement of outcome grants, and provision of short breaks for carers. The deadline for submitting bids through the Public Contracts Scotland tendering process is October 29.
In conclusion, North Lanarkshire Council’s initiatives to enhance access to social work services and support unpaid carers demonstrate a commitment to improving the well-being of residents in the area. By seeking partnerships and engaging with external organisations, the council is actively working towards providing essential care and assistance to those in need. Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the tendering process to contribute to these valuable services in the community.