Successful applicants are expected (as a condition of receiving the grant) to provide a written report on their study trip and show how their findings could be of practical benefit to consumers/service users in Scotland.  The following are reports from our successful applicants.

Self Directed Support - A Journey of Discovery, Raymond Brennan

Raymond was awarded a travelling scholarship in 2010 to learn about approaches to Self Directed Support in the US.  His report is an account of one man’s journey to the USA to seek out best practice in supporting independent living and the real difference it can make to individuals and to communities. Scotland is moving towards putting in place legislation to embed self-directed support as the default option for everyone who uses care and support services. The Peter Gibson Memorial Fund Trustees hope that the lessons learned from this study trip will make a unique contribution to shaping success in terms of giving people real choice and control over the support that they have decided they need and want.

Raymond Brennan has spent his recent working life in North Lanarkshire committed to working with people to plan their own person-centred supported living services. With help of a grant from the PGMF, Raymond travelled to New Jersey and Philadelphia. He spent time with two community support organisations, but more importantly, with people who organised their own support and who lived independently with enjoyment and as valued key members of their local community.  You can access Raymond's full report here