Trophy for pilot project boosting adult independence in Norfolk

A new service providing the opportunity for independent living to adults with mental health issues has been awarded a trophy in recognition of its success.

Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust has been acknowledged by Social Services for its successful trialling an Individual Budgets scheme. The pilot, implemented in 13 areas of the country, proved that giving individuals money to allocate to services themselves could change lives.


Councillor Stella Rice, Deputy Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services, added: “Congratulations to the team for the work that they have done in this area and their achievement. I travel all over the country in my role as deputy cabinet member and have seen first hand the real difference that having an individual budget can make to a person by returning or retaining control and independence and giving real choice to people. Well done!”


The Trust, working with Adult Social Care staff from Norfolk County Council, looked at new ways to help people maintain their independence, gain real control over their lives and have more of a choice in the services they use.

Personalised budgets offer the flexibility to choose support from a range of options to build individually tailored help. Following an assessment of an individual’s needs an amount of money is allocated to the service user. Knowing how much money is available for their support the service user is then allowed to use it in the way that best suits their own situation. 


Maggie Wheeler, Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust chair, said: “I am delighted that our work with social services colleagues has been recognised with this trophy, for the contribution our care teams make to allow Individual Budgets work for service users. It is an example of the excellent care partnership we have in place, which contributes to a successful service for our users."

The scheme brings together money from a range of support services, including council-provided social care services for adults; the Supporting People funding; Independent Living Fund; Disabled Facilities Grant; Integrated Community Equipment Services and Access to Work.