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Moray

Circles Advocacy in Moray delivers free, independent advocacy for people
considering applying for or receiving a Self-Directed Support (SDS) funded care
package.

A man listens attentively to someone blurred in the foreground.

Moray

About Us

As part of the Scottish Government-funded Support in the Right Direction (SiRD) project, we specialise in advocacy for anyone applying for or receiving a Self-Directed Support (SDS) funded care package.

We support children, young people, families and adults to ensure that they have greater choice and control over their care arrangements. Circles Network will always strive to ensure everyone can have their voice heard and make informed choices to live life to the fullest.  We’ll guide you through the SDS process, explain your options clearly, and support the decisions that reflect your needs, goals, and lifestyle.

Services

Who can use the service?

We support people of any age who are accessing care services or who is preparing
for a personal assessment for self-directed support.

  • mental ill health
  • dementia
  • learning, physical or sensory impairments
  • aquired brain injury
  • chronic/long term illness
  • autistic spectrum diagnosis & neurodiversity
  • personality disorder
  • neurological disorder
A group of people sitting in a row.

Support

We Help People

To have a say in, and about, the services they receive.

  • understand their rights
  • raise issues they are worried about
  • Provide non-instructed Advocacy in vulnerable situations
  • Access information to make their own decisions

As part of Support in the Right Direction (SiRD) Scotland, our SDS Project raises
awareness and understanding of Self-Directed Support which aims to give
individuals greater choice and control over their care package.  We support people
relying on care services, their families, and carers to navigate the process across
Inverclyde by sharing information, supporting them to put across their views and by
facilitating peer groups. 


We will support the person at every stage of the SDS process such as:

  • Providing information to the person
  • Communicating with social work departments
  • Preparing the person for assessment
  • Supporting the person whilst going through the process
  • Assisting an individual to employ a personal assistant including advertising
  • Helping the person construct their support plans
  • Communicating with payroll providers
  • Providing information about pension schemes
  • Providing support to open dedicated bank accounts
  • Working in partnership with organisations who offer training
  • Dealing with complaints
  • Informing individuals about support organisations so they can make informed
    choices
  • Encouraging participation in peer groups for the individuals considering self-
    directed support
  • Assisting individuals to raise complaints and address important issues

Our Commitment

At Circles Network Moray, we are committed to promoting choice, control, and inclusion. Our advocacy service supports independent living and full participation in community life, helping individuals and families overcome barriers and make informed decisions about their care.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to live with dignity, autonomy, and respect.

Provision

Examples of Advocacy Provision

Focused advocacy for Self-Directed Support – we offer tailored support throughout every stage of the SDS journey, including:

  • Preparing for assessments and reviews
  • Understanding the four SDS options available
  • Exploring funding choices and flexibility
  • Communicating with social work departments
  • Sitting with the person whilst going through the process
  • Support throughout the recruitment/employment process
  • Assistance to create individualised support plan
  • Communicating with payroll providers
  • Providing information about pension schemes
  • Providing support to open dedicated bank accounts
  • Partnering with organisations that offer training
  • Dealing with complaints
  • Informing individuals about various support organisations
  • Encouraging participation in peer groups 
  • Assisting individuals to raise complaints and address issues

Experiences

Circles Network Stories

Positive experiences of Circles Network Advocacy in Moray.

"I’m disabled and wanted to use Self-Directed Support Option 1 to employ my own Personal Assistant, the first step toward my dream of going to college and starting a Care business. With Circles Network’s advocacy, I was involved in every decision, from writing the job advert to leading interviews using my communication device. That support gave me confidence, independence, and showed me my goals are within reach.”
Testimonial
anon
"I felt that my advocate got who I am and who I am not without being overpowering, because some people take over without thinking. My advocate didn’t do this. He took the time to get to know me – not as the job, but as the person I am.”
Testimonial
anon
"My advocate helped me get SDS funding so I could begin an alternative therapy to help with my health. They helped me more than just get help; they helped me with the skills to help myself.”
Testimonial
anon

Resource

Moray Resource

The following dropdown contains links to Moray Advocacy resources.
This may include print, audio and video content that can be viewed or downloaded in a new window.

CONTACT US

Get In Touch

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Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
9am – 5pm

Please leave a message if you’re unable to get through on the phone, we will call you back, our voicemail is checked daily.

Call

07785 381500 or 07526 511456

Text

07785 381500 or 07526 511456

Address

Circles Network, Office 2E, Park House Business Centre, South Street, Elgin, IV30 1JB

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