Small business opportunities in Adult Social Care

Small businesses and organisations in East Sussex can learn more about the opportunities to provide social care and support to older people and the disabled at a series of events in May.

‘Micro-Providers', as they are called, will be individuals, businesses or voluntary organisations, that are based in the communities they serve. They usually have less than five paid employees and can offer flexible care and support services tailored to the individual. A new scheme means the Council can help small businesses and organisations by providing them with information about the opportunities available in their local area.

This is particularly important because people now have more choice and control about how to get care and support to meet their needs. Last year Adult Social Care and Trading Standards launched Support With Confidence, a scheme which provides alist of approved and vetted businesses that provides services to people in their own homes and in the community. Now with help from the Council it is the chance for the smallest organisations and businesses to get involved and promote themselves to the community.

As the scheme has grown the search is on for micro-providers as they can often offer personalised and flexible support due to their small size.

Examples of micro services include:

care and support at home meals opportunities for exercise support during the day and breaks for carers employment support support to access community facilities supported employment or volunteering opportunities lunch clubs.

People who need this help will either buy it themselves or, if they are eligible, get financial help from Adult Social Care. In some cases money may not even change hands if support is voluntary, or based on a barter system.

So anyone who has an idea for a small business or service that could meet a social care need, or already provides a service or activity that makes a real difference to people's lives, should come along to one of the following events. They will get more details on how the scheme works, the opportunities available and the help the Council offer:

The Bridge Community Centre, Hastings – Friday 6 May, 10am to 2pm The William and Patricia Venton Centre, Eastbourne – Tuesday 10 May, 10am to 2pm The Hillcrest Centre, Newhaven – Thursday 12 May, 9.30am to 1.30pm Uckfield Civic Centre, Uckfield – Friday 13 May, 10am to 2pm Crowborough Community Association, Park Road Centre, Crowborough – Wednesday 18 May, 10am to 2pm. For more information please contact Samantha Tullett on 01323 463410 or email: samantha.tullett@eastsussex.gov.uk.