Centred Scotland has been supporting people to live independently in their own homes since 1987. As the largest wellbeing charity in the Highlands, we deliver more than 1,500 hours of care every week across:
- Inverness-shire
- Easter Ross
- Lochaber
- Caithness
Much of this care is commissioned in the traditional way through the NHS. However, we know from experience that a more personalised approach often leads to better outcomes.
Our goal is to empower people to live the best lives they can by helping them understand their choices and supporting them to select the care that’s right for them.
Understanding Self-Directed Support (SDS)
Self‑Directed Support is the way social care is delivered in Scotland. Its purpose is simple:
to give you choice and control over the support you receive.
What many people don’t realise is that you can choose the kind of support you want and who provides it.
How Support is Usually Delivered
Across Scotland, many people still work directly with their local social work department, who then arrange and provide services on their behalf. In practice, this means the NHS or local authority organises your care package for you.
This approach works well for some but not for everyone.
That’s where Self‑Directed Support offers real flexibility.
Your SDS Options
Option 1 – Total Control (Direct Payment)
You receive the money directly from the NHS to organise your own support. You (or your representative) manage the budget and choose the care you want.
Most control – but also the most responsibility
Option 2 – Supported Control
You choose your support, but you don’t handle the money. The NHS or a care organisation like Centred Scotland manages the budget on your behalf and pays for the services you instruct them to.
Control without the administrative burden
Option 3 – Traditional Method
Your local authority or NHS arranges the service for you. This is the approach many people are familiar with.
Least control – but also the least involvement required from you
Option 4 – Mix and Match
You’re not limited to just one option. You can combine any of the above to create a support package that fits your life.
Flexible and fully customisable
Want to Explore Your Options?
If you live in Inverness-shire, Easter Ross, Lochaber or Caithness, we can help you understand and navigate your SDS choices.
Get in touch with our team or download our full Self‑Directed Support guide.
What Can SDS Look Like?
Here’s a real example from our Caithness Support Service, where someone used Option 2 to plan a personalised short break:
Although the weekend was built around my needs and preferences, it still felt relaxed and comfortable. I felt at ease with my support workers, and that made the whole experience even better.
I enjoyed the activities and being gently pushed out of my comfort zone in a positive way. It was a nice break from my day-to-day life.
I would definitely do a trip with self-directed support again—I haven’t stopped talking about it since!
Dylan
February 2026
Quality You Can Trust
We understand how important it is to choose the right care provider. Our most recent 2026 Care Inspectorate Report, available in full on our website, rated our services Good to Very Good across all areas.
Get in touch with our team or download our full Self‑Directed Support guide.
Meet the Team
