Direct payments - but for what?!

[Thiswillbeinteresting]

I have just been notified that DD1 has been funded for 6 hours per week direct payments to access social activities. That's great, apart from DD (and I) have no idea what social activities she can do in these Covid times. Theres the long walks that she loves to do, but things like going to the cinema, shopping, swimming etc have all been put on hold as I am vulnerable and she is very very nervous being around people.

Her potential PA has asked us to have a think about activities they could do if the weather was bad, and we are struggling to be honest.

Just wondering if anyone had any ideas for a 23 year old who doesnt like socialising?

It's a struggle isn't it!

We've had to put off hiring a new PA for DS as he usually goes to the cinema/bowling/soft play/climbing walls/swimming, but like you I'm vulnerable so don't really want him doing indoor things just yet.

Are there any SN activity centres that she can access? We have one near us (closed atm though So might be the same for you) where you can hire the hydro pool to yourself and sensory rooms etc as well.

ooh thanks @AdditionalCharacter hiring out SN centres may be a way forward, I will have to check if they are open though.

I have just thought as well, as she is in receipt of enhanced PiP, i have a feeling we will need to pay towards the direct payments, so money may be a struggle initially

@Thiswillbeinteresting would on line social activities be included? If so this could be anything from Outschool on line classes to gaming maybe? Would buying equipment be included such as a phone/internet/ head set?

Could you get walking boots and waterproof clothing out of it? Or does it have to be group based?

Could her PA craft with her? Or play board games?

We have been making Pom poms for the Christmas tree. I find DD is more sociable if she is doing something with her hands. Pom poms are very relaxing to make.

Thanks @RedPomPom yes she likes crafts, I’ll suggest that to her. Poms for the Christmas tree sounds amazing!

Contributions are based on her income not the household one so you may be OK financially

We use our direct payments to pay a PA though it’s been tricky with covid so it’s not really been happening. Before lockdown she was going horse riding and swimming. In the holidays she would go to the cinema or out for a day.

we have a similar issue, we were allocated direct payments for a carer to accompnay our DS to scouts, no scouts at the moment so the carer comes to the house and plays on his PS4 with him. They are not coming for the 4 week lockdown because Dh has an underlying condition and we are in a high area. It is really rubbish for SEN at the moment

My daughter has the young adult National Trust membership (about £35) with their free companion card so up to 2 carers can accompany her, you do need to book in advance at the moment for the places near us.

You can spend the unused built-up direct payment flexibly to meet her needs. There is new government guidance under the Covid-19 Act 2020. Follow the link 'www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-people-receiving-direct-payments'. The local authority should have let you know the guidance by law. You can possibly buy some electronic items, books, games or anything as long as it can meet her needs.

By the way, going ten pin bowling could be a good one once the alleys open.

Those guidelines are really interesting. My daughter's direct payment account has just been audited and the LA have asked for a large sum back. It was incorrectly calculated anyway as there were pending cheques and the spending will catch up next month.

In my understanding, the LA should not claim the unused money back during the pandemic periods.
See 'Managing unspent direct payments' in the link here, 'www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-people-receiving-direct-payments/coronavirus-covid-19-qa-for-people-receiving-a-personal-budget-or-personal-health-budget'
Also see 'Allowing Flexibility' here 'www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-people-receiving-direct-payments/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-people-receiving-direct-payments'.
If the LA doesn't listen to you maybe it's good to contact your local MP.

Thanks, I had emailed explaining why I wouldn't be returning any money. It was a standard letter that I have received before pre pandemic. I'm sure my LA will have no idea about those guidelines. If I get another letter I will let them know!

My 20 yr old son “hangs out” with his PA. He goes to his house and they watch films, play MarioKart and chill. It’s the only time my son, who hasn’t managed to develop any “natural friendships” as it were, gets to spend time out with a peer. His PA is 23.

In non Covid times, it’d be cinema, bowling, crazy golf etc.