We were delighted to welcome Jenni Minto, Constituency MSP for Argyll & Bute to our Community Contacts service earlier this month. During her visit, Minister Minto spent time with our team, hearing firsthand about how we support people across Argyll & Bute and Highland with Self-Directed Support (SDS). 

Since 2013, Community Contacts has offered a helping hand to over 18,000 people navigating the complexities of SDS. Our approach is simple but powerful: we listen, we inform, and we empower people to make confident decisions about their support. 

What is Community Contacts? 

Community Contacts is an independent Carr Gomm project that helps people understand and access Self-Directed Support in a way that suits them. Whether someone is just starting out with SDS or needs advice to resolve a specific issue, our team provides impartial, practical information tailored to each individual’s needs. 

We support people across all areas of Argyll & Bute and Highland, from remote rural communities to larger towns. Always with a focus on rights, choice, and empowerment. 

Our Impact

At the heart of Community Contacts is a belief that everyone deserves to be listened to and supported on their SDS journey. That belief is backed up by strong outcomes from our most recent report: 

• 102 people in Argyll & Bute told us they felt more informed, listened to, and less stressed after engaging with Community Contacts 

• 92% of people we worked with said they felt more aware of the help, advice, and support options available to them 

• 92% of people using SDS Option One said they felt more confident in their role as an employer after receiving our support 

For many people, the idea of arranging support through SDS can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with the four different SDS options and the responsibilities that come with each. Our expert team breaks things down clearly, offering space to explore what matters most and helping people feel confident in their choices. 

Learn more about the four SDS options.  

Collaboration  

Our work is never done in isolation. Community Contacts builds trusted relationships with people, families, and professionals alike. We collaborate closely with health and social care partnerships, as well as third sector organisations, to ensure our support meets the unique needs of rural communities delivering advice that works on the ground, not just in theory. 

This joined-up approach helps bridge the gap between people and complex systems, providing support that is both person-centred and practical. 

Listening First 

One of the most valued parts of our service is simply being there to listen. For many people, a call with Community Contacts is the first time someone takes time to hear their story.  

That human connection is central to what we do. Our team takes time to understand what matters most to each person. We then use our expertise to translate that into action, whether it’s helping someone prepare for a review, advocate for the support they need, or manage the responsibilities of being an employer. 

Learn More

We’re proud to be offering a helping hand with Self-Directed Support across Argyll & Bute and Highland, and grateful to Minister Jenni Minto for taking the time to meet our team.  

If you’d like to learn more about what we do or access support for yourself or someone you know, please visit our Community Contacts page. 

Jenni’s visit was prompted by the Support in the Right Direction report, which was shared with MSPs by our funding partner, Inspiring Scotland. We’re grateful that the report helped spark this important conversation.