Merton residents are being offered the opportunity to have more choice and control over their social care arrangements.

If people are currently receiving home care or attending a day centre that has been organised by the council, they may be eligible for direct payments.

It means people will be able to decide how best their needs could be met, choose who comes into their home to help them or what they want to do during the day, and pay for services out of the money allocated to them by the council.

Residents can learn more about the scheme by attending an information event that will be held on Wednesday 30 January from 10am to 4pm at The Hub on Bishopsford Road at Morden.

Speakers include Robin Murray-Neil from the Care Services Improvement Partnership and Wendy Gross from the National Centre for Independent Living.

Council staff will be attending to ensure people’s questions are answered, as well as representatives from organisations such as Age Concern, Merton MENCAP and Merton Hard of Hearing.

Cabinet member for Health and Adult Social Services, Councillor Margaret Brierly, says: “We want to encourage people to think about the way they get their care services. Direct payments gives people more choice and the freedom to find the best way to meet their individual needs.”