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Spirit of Direct Payments Online Course

Discover the origins of Direct Payments and why they matter through this engaging, interactive online course. Drawing on the lived experiences and perspectives of disabled people, family members, personal assistants and professionals, it explores the values that shape Direct Payments: independence, choice and control.

Co-created by Disability North and AGL Skills, the course brings these values to life and shows what they mean in everyday practice.

Learn from experience. Champion independence, choice and control

Turning lived experience into confident practice

  • Learning from lived experience

    Disabled people’s lived experience is at the heart of this course. Through their own stories and insights, they bring the learning to life and show how direct payments can make a lasting difference to everyday independence, wellbeing, choice and control.

  • Learning into practice

    Learn through engaging videos, interactive quizzes and activities that encourage reflection. Hear directly from disabled people and professionals, check your understanding, and explore how to apply what you’ve learned in your own practice—building confidence to put learning into action.

  • Recognising your commitment

    At the end of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to receive a certificate of completion. This recognises your learning and understanding of the values behind direct payments—and, most importantly, your pledge to uphold independence, choice and control in your work.

Discover the story behind Direct Payments

Take a look inside the course

Watch our short promotional video for a taste of the course and discover how lived experience brings the values of independence, choice and control to life.

Your course at a glance

Find out who the course is for, what you’ll learn and how to get started. Explore Direct Payments through lived experience and practical learning, for £35 per learner.

  • Who is this course for?

    This course is for social workers, personal assistants, social work students, Direct Payment Support Services and disabled people interested in Direct Payments. It offers an understanding of how Direct Payments support independence, choice and control, whether you’re exploring options for yourself or supporting others.

  • Learn from experience

    Hear from 8 experts through 3+ hours of learning exploring the origins of Direct Payments and the values of independence, choice and control. Lived experience, professional insights, quizzes and reflective activities help you connect the learning to everyday life and your own practice.

  • Start your learning journey

    £35 per learner gives you access to an engaging online course featuring videos, quizzes and reflective activities. Build your understanding of Direct Payments and explore how to put the values of independence, choice and control into practice, with the opportunity to receive a certificate of completion recognising your learning and commitment.

Questions about the course? We’re here to help.

Get in touch

Have a question about the course or want to find out more? Get in touch with Disability North—we’ll be happy to help.

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