Over £9.2 million is being given to third-sector organisations in Scotland over the next three years to provide independent support, information, advice and advocacy to people using social care and their carers.

The Support in the Right Direction (SiRD) fund (2024-27) is managed by Inspiring Scotland and will support the delivery of the Scottish government’s Self-Directed Support (SDS) Improvement Plan 2023-27 by empowering people to have choice and control over their social care support.

Social care minister Maree Todd said: “Through this funding, people and carers will be supported to have more choice and involvement in how their social care is delivered.

“We want everyone accessing social care to feel confident participating in every stage of their social care journey and be equal partners in their care and support decisions, so that they can live a full and independent life.

“The ambition is to have the right independent support available at the right time and place to meet the specific needs of each individual.”

Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living chief executive Gaby Nolan said: “We are delighted to be awarded the Scottish government funding. By offering peer support, as well as individualised casework, this funding will enable us over the next three years, to raise more awareness of Self-Directed Support to disabled people and carers, improve access and support people at all stages of their social care journey. This fund is also supporting us to work with carers from Black and Minority Ethnic communities increasing awareness and access and offering accessible, person-led support.”

Inspiring Scotland chief executive Celia Tennant said: “We are pleased to be working with the Scottish government on Support in the Right Direction. This vital funding commitment will help bring stability to organisations over the next three years and strengthen the network across Scotland of providers of independent advice and advocacy with self-directed support.       

“We know that locally based organisations are vital in enabling people and their carers to understand and navigate the social care systems in their areas. Each of these organisations bring expertise in social care, self-directed support and a good knowledge of local resources meaning they are best placed to work with people at every stage of their journey.”