Hertfordshire

Supporting an increase in the take up of Direct Payment by increasing real choice of highly personalised local care and support options.

A partnership with Hertfordshire County Council initially focusing on the development of small enterprises offering homecare or help at home to older people. As the numbers of people taking a Direct Payment has increased a new direction has emerged and the project now supports enterprises that help people to connect and contribute to their community. Small enterprises are collaborating and maximising community assets.

As part of the project, we have developed a directory to showcase community enterprises in the local area.

Catalyst Sara has developed positive links with the local Community Navigators who can see the real value that the community enterprises can bring to people, introducing them to support that can help them to get a good life.

Without the support I’ve had, and continue to have, from Community Catalyst, I might not have had the confidence to do this. It’s always good to have someone in the background that knows you can do it because I wasn’t quite sure at the start.

Jo, Always Bee You