Get involved in Northern Ireland
Nidirect government services
Information on Direct Payments, Self-Directed Support (SDS) and the role of Personal Assistants is available via the nidirect government services pages:
Direct payments for care | nidirect and Employing a paid carer or personal assistant | nidirect
Contact your local Trusts to learn more
Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Self Directed Support Lead
Email DirectPayments@northerntrust.hscni.net
Telephone: 028 25635511
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Self Directed Support Lead
Email: SDS.Admin@southerntrust.hscni.net
Telephone: (028) 3756 7314
Western Health and Social Care Trust
Alison Irvine
Personalisation Development Officer & Self Directed Support Lead
Email: alison.irvine@westerntrust.hscni.net
Telephone: 07852310716
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
Directed Support Lead
Tara fowler
Email: Tara.Fowler@setrust.hscni.net
Telephone: 07890387629
Other organisations of interest
The Self-Directed Support (SDS) Network Northern Ireland is a practice-based learning network which brings together commissioners, contract leads, providers, professionals, advocates and individuals to develop, implement and improve self-directed support across the region.
The network aims to support and help shape a sustainable SDS system that empowers people to direct their own care and support. Membership is free and open to individuals, groups and professionals involved in the development, implementation and use of SDS in NI. To find out more or join as a member visit
selfdirectedsupport.org/hubs/northernireland
Vela Microboards NI is a regional voluntary organisation with charitable status, which assists in the setting up of individual Vela Microboards. A Vela Microboard is a group of family and friends who help a person plan for a better future and make that future a reality.
Vela Microboards work alongside people with life debilitating conditions, their families and Personal Assistants to set up a tailored, person-centred support network - a microboard - that focus on the individual and help them achieve their dreams and desires and most importantly the best quality of life. To find out more visit www.velamicroboardsni.com