A new personalisation support service will help people with special needs control their own care.

The service provided by London charity Hestia will give a support planning, brokerage service, a direct payment management support service and a personal assistant for those eligible for council help.

Councillor David Marlow, cabinet member for adult services and health, said: “Our partnership with Hestia is a very significant development for us as they have displayed outstanding work in partnership with service users and local communities over the years to make positive changes in the lives of vulnerable people.

“Richmond is one of the leading local authorities nationally in the development of self directed support and provides personal budget to more than 1,000 people.”