Practical help from social services

If you want to make sure that you are getting the right health and social care for your disability or health condition, contact your local social services department (social work department in Scotland). A package of support may include:

• home help for things like cleaning and shopping
• specialist equipment and necessary alterations to your home
• day centres to give you a break
• day care if you have a child, or
• residential care.

Social services can also help with:

• adapting your home to make it easier for you to manage
• finding new accommodation if you can't live in your own home
• delivering meals if you have trouble cooking, and
• transport advice, including information on the Blue Badge scheme, which gives parking benefits to disabled people who have serious walking difficulties.

Contact your local social services department or social work department through your local council. You can find their details at www.direct.gov.uk in your local phone book or on your local authority's website.