Untitled Document

Lois Peachey specialises in Diversity & Discrimination Advocacy and Direct Payments Advocacy and is available to support clients within the county of Suffolk. If you would like to access the service or require more information please contact the ESAN office.

Direct payments

What are Direct Payments?

Direct payments are the result of campaigning by disabled people for greater choice and contol in their lives
People can choose to be given money to purchase services that meet their assessed social care needs. This may include accessing social activities, employing support workers or learning new skills.
Direct payments are very flexible and adaptable. This means that your assessed social care needs can be met in a whole range of new and better ways.

What can I spend my direct payments on?

There is a whole range of ways in which you can spend your direct payment, here are a few examples:

Employing a support worker - either through an agency or by advertising
Leisure/health activities (e.g. joining local clubs or societies, attending art other leisure classes, going to a gym).
Education (e.g. books, equipment).
Certain costs towards starting employment (e.g. equipment, clothing)

About ESAN
Ipswich Office
Bury St Edmunds Office
Lowestoft Office
News and Forthcoming Events
Newsletter
Background Information
Advocacy Training
Links
Become a member
Survey Results

Diversity & Discrimination Advocacy Project

(funded by Comic Relief)

ESAN has been awarded a grant of nearly £100,000 from Comic Relief to develop mental health advocacy for people with mental health difficulties who also experience prejudice and discrimination in society and within health and social care services because of their race, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity and physical disability.

People from minority communities often experience prejudice and discrimination, which can have an adverse effect on their mental health. ESAN seeks to challenge this through the support our advocates provide, and by working for services to be delivered in a person centred and culturally sensitive way. We have a specialist advocate who leads our work in this area.

ESAN supports a self help group in Ipswich for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and questioning people affected by mental health issues. For further information visit their website at www.ipswichlikeminds.btik.com

Parents' Advocacy

Advocacy for Parents with Mental Health Problems or Learning Difficulties in Suffolk

ESAN is part of a pilot project providing advocacy support to parents suffering mental ill health when they are involved in the child protection process. The project is being co-ordinated by ACE, an advocacy organisation for people with learning difficulties.

Our advocate can help you understand the child protection processes and talk about your options. You will be able to ask questions and get help when you need it.

They can support you at:

Child Protection Conferences
Meetings with solicitors and barristers
During Child Protection Hearing

If you would like support or would just like to know more, please contact Charlotte Parnell at ACE on 01449 678088 or email charlotte.ace@btconnect.com