Welcome to www.CompassDisabilty.org.uk

The Wiltshire Direct Payment Support Service Team

Direct Payment Advisors

•  Visit every new Direct Payment user in Wiltshire to explain how the Direct Payment scheme in Wiltshire operates, for example the need to keep records, set up a bank account, etc.

•  Discuss the various ways of finding a personal assistant (PA), for example buying care from an agency, paying someone who is self employed to be your personal assistant or being your personal assistant's employer.

•  Give advice on the implications of employing a personal assistant, for example the need to pay tax, national insurance, etc.

•  Give any advice or long-term support needed, for example helping to recruit a new carer should one leave.

• Provide regular record keeping support where needed.

 

Louise Thorp (primarily South Wilts and Kennet)

Hi my name is Louise. I have been working with Direct Payments since 2000. I work full time as a Direct Payment Advisor.  I am married and have 3 children who keep me very busy. I also have a very friendly Labrador and an unsociable cat!

 

Eva Forbes (West Wilts)

My name is Eva Forbes. I have worked part time with service users in Wiltshire since 2001. I enjoy meeting people and assisting them with their DP packages. It gives me great satisfaction to see people gaining more choice and independence in their lives.

 

Judith Campbell-Dyke (West Wilts)

I have now been a Direct Payment Support Worker since 2001. The best part of this interesting job is being involved with people who are enabled and empowered by having a Direct Payment to better manage, enjoy and make choices in their everyday lives and activities. I enjoy playing badminton and should go to aerobics more often!

 

Gill Kosmyryk (Kennet and North Wilts)

I started my working life in the North with tax and accountancy work, and then at a Volunteer Centre mixing office/finance work with community services to a wide client group. I have worked with Direct Payments since 2002, first as a Finance Assistant at Wiltshire Social Services and then as a Direct Payments Advisor. I enjoy meeting people, traveling, visiting gardens and collecting stray cats!

 

Direct Payment Development Manager

•  Publicises and promotes Direct Payments and the Direct Payment Advisory Service to potential users, carers and Social Work teams throughout the County.

•  Produces information in accessible formats including booklets, audio cassettes and via the website.

•  Liaises with Social Work teams, external agencies, voluntary organisations, charities etc. to help problem solve around any issues that arise.

• Develops training on issues relevant to Direct Payments for DP users, personal assistants and Social Workers.

The Direct Payment Advisors are managed by Alison Mawhood, who is based in our head office in Taunton and works as the Development Manager. Alison is very pleased to hear any comments on our Direct Payment Support Service and can normally be reached on 0844 984 2828. Alison joined us from the support service in Somerset. Prior to that she was a Chartered Accountant before moving to the voluntary sector in 2002. Alison has two teenage sons.

 

 

Direct Payment Payroll Officer

•  Receives details of your personal assistant's hours, pay rates etc. and calculates tax, national insurance, net pay amounts and tells you how much to pay to whom.

•  Explains about tax and national insurance and offers practical help and guidance.

Many of you will be speaking to Pam when you ring through your wages details. Pam was born into a farming environment and grew up in the country. After leaving school she learnt office procedures and when her son started school she returned to work using the experience gained over the years. She is a fundraiser for a visual impairment charity and has many disabled family members. Her favourite pastime is caravanning with her husband and two King Charles Spaniels.