What help can we offer you?

The health and social care system was put in place to meet the needs of those with disabilities and their carers.  Everybody has the right to health and social care to meet their needs, as well as rights about the type of support they receive.

Public authorities have duties and powers to help people including those who have needs arising from illness, disability or learning difficulty, being carers, children in need, children in care, care leavers and for vulnerable families who have no recourse to public funds.

Advice and representation for people who require care, support, services and/or accommodation from Social Services, the NHS or central government.

We provide advice in a wide range of Community Care Law matters including:

• Care Act assessments and support plans
• Carers’ assessments and support
• Services for disabled children and their parents
• Obtaining facilities and adaptations
• Cuts to support packages
• Closure of day centres, respite units and other services
• Direct payments
• Charging for care and requests for third party top-ups
• Continuing healthcare
• Hospital discharge
• Mental capacity
• Children in need assessments and support
• Support for looked after children
• Assessments and pathway plans of care leavers
• Age disputes
• Accommodation and maintenance of families with no recourse to public funds.

We bring Judicial Review proceedings to challenge the actions and decisions of public authorities, where duties and powers are not exercised correctly. We assist clients to pursue complaints against social care and health bodies.

How can you access our services?

You can be referred to us by an organisation that is already supporting you. Or you can visit our offices, call 0247 622 3053 or complete this online form.

Other sources of help

Irwin Mitchell – provides support with medical negligence and personal injury claims (0121 212 1828)  

Coram Children's Legal Practice Unit – provides casework advice, assistance and legal representation to clients in relation to community care law matters, such as: Age assessments, LA duties to children in care and young people leaving care, support from LA and other agencies for families and children, the rights of disabled children and children with additional needs, and housing for young people in unsafe or unsuitable accommodation or who are experiencing homelessness ([email protected])

Disability Law Service - offers a free and confidential legal telephone advice for Community Care issues. Challenge decisions made by local authorities and NHS trusts. ([email protected] 020 7791 9809)

Access Social Care – provides free legal advice and information for people with social care needs ([email protected])

POhWER Care Act Advocacy - supports people to be involved in decisions their local council are making about their care and support. Care Act Advocates can support adults who need care and support, carers, and children who are moving to adult care services. They can help when the council is making a needs assessment, making a carer's assessment, making or reviewing a care and support plan, and having a safeguarding enquiry or arranging for a Safeguarding Adults Review. ([email protected] 0300 456 2370)