In order to receive community care services from Wigan Council, you will first of all have to have an assessment of your needs. This involves a social worker visiting you at home to talk to you, your family or carers (and, if necessary, other professionals) about the help you feel you need and look at how you cope with everyday tasks, especially those you find most difficult. This is so we can build up an accurate picture of your situation. It enables us to make a decision about whether or not you are eligible to receive services.
The Central Duty Team is the first point of contact if you want to arrange for an assessment for adult social care services. They deal with all new requests for help which may need social work involvement. They also deal with re-assessments for people already receiving services.
When you phone them, a member of staff will ask you for details about your circumstances. Depending on the information you give, they will then either:
- give you immediate information about services;
- give you immediate advice and guidance;
- refer you to the appropriate social work team, who will then contact you to arrange an assessment; or
- redirect you to a more appropriate source to deal with your request if the council are not able to help.
To make a referral, phone the team or complete the on-line referral form.
Please note:
We use the government’s 'Fair Access to Care Services' guidelines to help us to decide your entitlement to care services. Unfortunately, if you are assessed as low or moderate need or risk, you will not qualify for community care services from the council. However, we may be able to offer you advice and some possible alternatives, or put you in touch with other organisations who may be able to help, like Starting Point.
