ecdp connects (formerly our Self-Directed Support Service, SDSS) was set up in January 2005 to give telephone support and a range of information, advice and guidance to people considering a personal budget through a direct payment.

Direct payments are available to anyone who is eligible for a social care or carers service, as an alternative to home care provided by the council. The purpose of direct payments is to enable a person to purchase their own care (often by employing their own Personal Assistants), or by purchasing equipment, offering more choice and control over what assistance they receive and when.

In Thurrock ecdp connects provides support and information to disabled people, family members, social workers and their colleagues. ecdp connects works in conjunction with ecdp pass which can provide vital support for people who use direct payments, but for whatever reason feel they need extra assistance. This support can be provided in areas such as payroll and invoice payments, making the direct payment process stress free.

In Cambridgeshire, ecdp provides direct payment support to people considering direct payments in the county. For more information about these DPSS services please click on the link below.

 In Essex, for several years ecdp has also provided a telephone service offering advice and guidance to disabled people considering using direct payments instead of services provided through social care contracts. The service has always been provided by people who themselves use direct payments, and those who used it found it to be valuable. Some 89% of all people who used this service took a direct payment, compared to the national average of 13%.

Essex County Council has decided not to renew the contract from December 2012. If you are a resident in the Essex County Council area and are thinking about your options around direct payments, their advice is that you either ring Social Care Direct  on 0845 603 7630, or read their step-by-step available at: Your questions answered: Self Directed Support (ECC)