SCORES of disabled people and their parents and carers turned up to an event in Worcester to find out how they can have more control over their care.

"Have Your Say," took place at Perdiswell Young People's Leisure Club, off Bilford Road, and was held to inform disabled people eligible for social care services about direct payments - which offer them the opportunity to receive cash in lieu for these services.

Such payments enable people to employ their own staff to provide assistance with a variety of tasks and dictate when and how they work.

The event was organised by Worcestershire Social Services' User Involvement Team and the Penderels Trust - the support service for direct payment users in the county.

The day consisted of a variety of talks, with sessions for feedback and comments.

Jonathan Monk, a member of Worcestershire Social Services' User Involvement Team, said the day, held last Tuesday, was all about working together to try and improve practice and access to the direct payments scheme.

"It was about learning from each other's experience, so people who use the scheme now and could use it in the future can benefit from the great choice, flexibility and control it offers," he added.

More information can be found at www.penderelstrust.org.uk and www.worcestershire.gov.uk or by phoning Penderels on 01299 253225.