Planning the money side of an activity early can prevent surprises. Support costs and the ordinary costs of taking part are not always the same thing. The exact arrangement depends on the participant’s circumstances, funding and the activity, so this guide is a conversation starter rather than a funding decision.
Two types of cost
A support arrangement may include agreed support time and, where suitable, transport or travel-related support. The activity itself may also have ordinary costs such as an entry ticket, parking, fuel, public transport, food, a coffee, merchandise or equipment. These costs should be listed separately so everyone can see what is being discussed.
- Support worker time or an agreed support rate.
- Entry fees, tickets, parking and public transport fares.
- Fuel, meals, drinks, merchandise or personal purchases.
- Any required equipment or venue-specific charges.
Ask before making plans
Before confirming an outing, ask what the participant wants to do, which costs are expected, who would ordinarily pay them and whether the participant’s plan or personal budget can be used. Driven Support can explain the costs of a proposed support arrangement, but cannot decide how a participant’s funding must be used or guarantee that a particular expense is claimable.
Make a simple plan
Write down the expected cost, a small buffer for changes and a lower-cost alternative. Check whether tickets need to be bought in advance, whether refunds are available and what happens if the event is cancelled or the participant needs to leave early. Keep receipts and records in the way that suits the participant’s funding arrangements.
Individual decisions, not automatic promises
Access, funding, availability and suitability are considered individually for each participant and activity. An activity being interesting does not mean it will be funded, available or suitable, and a support cost does not automatically include admission or other recreational expenses. Confirm the arrangement, costs and any transport details before the activity begins.