Social care help desk

Fact Sheet No: FS8
Name of Service: Social Care Help Desk
Abbreviation: SCHD
Service Type: Information and Advice

About this service

What is the Social Care Help Desk?

The Social Care Help Desk is a first point of contact for adults, older people, people with disabilities and their carers who need:

  • advice and/or information about social care services available in Wiltshire;
  • signposting to social care services provided in the community;
  • a referral to social care teams in Wiltshire for an assessment of need.

Types of information or available services the Social Care Help Desk can advise on include:

  • Advocacy
  • Assessment of need
  • Benefits
  • Blue Badges
  • Carers
  • Day Care
  • Direct Payments
  • Eligibility Criteria
  • Help with meals
  • Home Care Enabling Services
  • Night sitting services
  • Provision of aids and/or equipment
  • Respite Care

Can everyone get help from the Social Care Help Desk?

We aim to provide a fair and equitable information, advice, signposting and referral for assessment service to all adults over the age of 18 and under these terms you will not be discriminated against on the grounds of your age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, race or religion, or ethnic group.

What will the Social Care Help Desk do?

The Social Care Help Desk has a team of friendly Advice Workers who are there to enable you to make informed decisions and choices about your social care and support needs.  The aim is always to help you to remain as independent as possible, preferably in your own home.

Initially, an Advice Worker will ask you to provide some basic information about yourself, for instance, your name and telephone number and describe the nature of your call.

They will use their skills and experience, together with a comprehensive computer system, to advise you on the most appropriate course of action to take or signpost you on to groups or organisations that may be able to help.

If you require an assessment of your needs, the Advice Worker will be able to make a referral on your behalf to the appropriate Advice and Assessment social care team.  

Whatever the enquiry, please be assured that the Advice Worker will listen carefully and work with you to get the help and support you need.

Contact Details

Email: customeradvisors@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 456 0111
Fax: 01225 713355

Last updated: 14 December 2009