PART THREE...

Just before I moved into this flat I had carers from an agency who helped me prepare for moving into my flat, and they provided my care until June 2005 when I went on to the Direct Payments Scheme. I liked the girls who came from the agency, but I found that those who did the time sheets each week were not sending the girls at the times that I and my Social Worker had requested, so it became rather difficult. It was then that I agreed to go on to the Direct Payments Scheme which works far better for me. I have chosen my own staff and I pay them with the money given to me by the Direct Payments Scheme and the Independent Living fund. Direct Payments gives me more choice, control and flexibility in my life. I am able to do more things and go to more places.

	I go sailing with Sailability most Tuesday afternoons for an hour on the John Merrick Lake near Watermede Park and thoroughly enjoy it. The boats we use are Dinghies which are owned by Mosaic who are a charity which works tirelessly to create more opportunities for disabled people!
Sue sailing in a boat called Independence.

I also facilitate a Social group for disabled people in the village where I live every other Thursday afternoon from 2.30-4.30. Sometimes we go to a Garden Centre, or to a pub for a meal, and other times we stay in the Library and chat over a mug of Coffee or Tea and a Biscuit. This group like other groups in our county were started by Mosaic, but they encourage its members to self-facilitate them. We are only a small group at the moment, but we are hoping to welcome more members amongst us.

Members of Sue's Harlequins social group enjoy a boat trip on the canal.

	Another pleasure I have had is going to concerts and to the Cinema with my PA’S (Personal Assistants) where as before I was on the Direct Payments Scheme I had difficulty in getting people to accompany me to these places so I sometimes had to go alone which wasn’t much fun! I get on well with my Personal Assistants, and I have 4 of them. We have a lot of fun together too!
Sue enjoying a drink with one of her P.A.'s at the theatre.