PEOPLE will be able to custom build their own care packages in a ground-breaking scheme being hatched by care chiefs. Barking and Dagenham LINk is teaming up with the council to ensure that service users influence how social care services for adults are

PEOPLE will be able to "custom build" their own care packages in a ground-breaking scheme being hatched by care chiefs.

Barking and Dagenham LINk is teaming up with the council to ensure that service users influence how social care services for adults are provided.

The project will enable people to decide the services they want to meet their individual needs, and allow service users to develop a tailor made service that reflects what is right for them. They will then be able to purchase services themselves whilst managing their own budget.

Volunteers are needed to form a customer reference group which will help inform and steer how the programme is taken forward. This would include the development of information and advice materials; feedback and involvement in the development of new ways of working; voicing what services are needed and how these should be provided.

Expenses and a sessional rate of between �25 and �30 will be offered to those who join the reference group.

Tim Baggs, manager of the LINk said "This is a very exciting time and a great opportunity for local people to ensure that services are developed around their needs and not the needs of a service.

"This is a huge step forward and we look forward to facilitating and co-ordinating the engagement with local people and working in partnership with the council to help shape this programme".

Cllr Bert Collins, cabinet member for adults and public health explained "This is one of the biggest changes to adult social care since the introduction of the welfare state. This is a real opportunity for increased choice and control to local service users".

An open event is being held on Wednesday September 2, at The Tulip Caf� in Barking Learning Centre between 5pm-7pm for people who are interested in finding out more about this opportunity.

If you would like to find out more about getting involved or are interested in attending this event please contact Barking & Dagenham LINk on 0800 0132 423.