Main heading

How can we help?

Please see below for a list of services that Social Services provide. A service may be accessed by the Council following an assessment of need. Contact us via your local Access Team for more detail and information.

Carers

• Advocacy
  An advocate is someone who can support or represent you when dealing with everyday problems or in times of crisis. They can offer you support and information on how you can access your rights. They act on your behalf if you don’t have the confidence to act for yourself.
• Residential Care and Day Services
  Day Services are provided for people who need support during the day and may include:
• A safe, stimulating environment and a break for you or your carer;
• Activities which enable you to develop confidence, a positive self-image and skills for more independence;
• Assistance with personal care needs.
• Family Based Care Services
  Family Based Care provides both adults and older people with day care, short stay or longer term care in the home of an approved carer or within the user’s own home.
• Short Breaks (Respite Care)
  You may need to have a change of scene and meet new friends, or your carer may need a break so that they can have a rest and recharge their batteries, whilst knowing you are well looked after. This is often called 'respite care' and can be provided in many different ways.
• Home Care
  Care in your own home is offered to people who require assistance. It may be with personal care such as washing or dressing, or other practical daily tasks such as help with domestic chores like cooking and cleaning, or in some instances, help in managing your finances.
• Bathing and Showering Advice
  Advice and information for you and your carer about ways in which you may be able to solve bathing problems.

Occupational Therapy

• Occupational Therapy Services
  An Occupational Therapist is a highly trained person who is skilled in identifying the physical, psychological and social needs of people. They can then work with you and your carers to find ways of reducing your problems.
• Community Equipment
  There are a number of centres displaying a wide range of useful equipment and gadgets for older people and disabled people of all ages. The range of equipment includes wheelchairs, walking frames, kitchen, bathing and toilet equipment. For more information contact your local Disability Service.

• Arts
  There are a number of centres e.g. day centres, libraries, arts venues, that run workshops and events for people with physical disabilities and their carers. The arts include drama, dance, writing stories, poetry etc, visual arts such as painting, sculpture, crafts, photography, etc. For more information contact the Arts Development Officer or your local District Council.
• Entertainment
  There are lots of events happening all around Cheshire that you might want to attend - see Tourism, Leisure and Culture and Events.
• Library Home Delivery Service
  Many libraries lend CDs, records, cassettes and videos for a fee. They provide a home delivery library service for people with physical and/or sensory disabilities (when possible, using existing staffing/resources) in addition to providing Books on Wheels, large print, Talking Books and subtitled videos. For more information see libraries or contact your local library directly.

• Supporting People aims to enable people with housing related support needs to live independently.
• Tele-shopping
  Teleshopping is a shopping service for elderly and disabled people who cannot do their own shopping. An assessment is needed from your local Social Services to access this service. There is no minimum order and you can have small pack sizes and portions (e.g. bacon by the rasher). Your order is delivered at the same time each week and the driver will check and put away your goods if necessary. For further information contact your local Access Team.
• Environmental Control System
  If you have a severe physical disability, an Environmental Control System could offer you the opportunity to operate appliances and communication aids from a central control, with switching mechanisms adapted to meet your needs. You should contact your local Access Team or your doctor or medical consultant will assess whether the equipment is provided on loan and serviced free of charge.

• Adaptations to Property
  Your local Access Team and Housing Authorities (see Housing and Accommodation) will assess what improvements and adaptations you may need in order to live more independently in your own home. Grants are available to help with the adaptations. Help is also available to all private sector owner-occupiers and tenants.
• Care and Repair
  Care and Repair will help elderly or disabled homeowners with repairs and improvements. Staff will visit you in your own home to assess the type of work you require and discuss the various options open to you. If you decide to proceed with the work, the Care and Repair Staff will arrange for estimates from reliable contractors and supervise any work, no matter how small, from start to completion. Contact your local District Council for details of a Care and Repair Scheme in your area
• Careline Service
  District Councils offer Sheltered Housing Services to people who are owner-occupiers, people living in rented accommodation and Housing Association tenants. People receive a modern easy to use telephone with a built in alarm, which links them via two-way speech to the Control Centre from either the button on the unit or a remote pendant. There is a charge for the service but people can choose from a variety of options as to the level of service that suits their needs. For more details contact the Re-Housing section at your local District Council.
• Council Tax
  Under current council tax legislation disabled people can apply for a reduction in their Council Tax. For more information or an application form contact your local District Council.
• Council Tenants Succession Rights
  The Housing Act 1985 sets out the circumstances in which succession of the tenancy can take place where the tenant has died. Provided there has not already been a succession it may be possible for a close family member to succeed to the tenancy providing they have lived in the property for a minimum of twelve months prior to the tenant’s death. For more information on the qualifying criteria contact the Re-housing Section at your local District Council.
• Homes Mobility Scheme
  If you are a council tenant and need to move to another part of the country because of your job, or if you need to give or receive a high level of support from relatives, you may be eligible for help under the Homes Mobility Scheme. For more information contact the Re-housing Section at your local District Council.
• Housing Associations
  See Housing and Accommodation.
• Re-housing
  A person may enquire about re-housing to their local Council. If an applicant has medical problems, the Independent Medical Advisor will assess medical evidence. The applicant shall be notified of the outcome. For more information on the allocation of housing contact the Re-housing Section, at your local District Council.
• Sheltered Accommodation
  Your local Council has Sheltered Schemes where people can live independently but enjoy the many extra services provided, including the support of a resident Scheme Manager. For more information contact the Re-Housing Section at your local District Council.
• Sheltered Ground Floor Accommodation
  Your local Council owns ground floor flats and bungalows which are directly linked to the mobile control centre and are allocated to people who are elderly and/or disabled but who are still able to lead an independent life. For more information contact the Re-housing Section at your local District Council.
• Sheltered Housing Alarm System
  Alarm Systems for elderly and disabled people living in Council properties is a two way speech communication system which links them to the Control Centre which is staffed 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Clients can make a call to the Control Centre by pressing a pendant, which can be worn around the neck. For more details contact the Re-Housing section at your local District Council.

• Direct Payments
  Direct payments are cash payments made to people who have been assessed as needing help from Social Services to help them to live at home. Instead of Social Services arranging services for them, people can choose to arrange their own services using their direct payment. Direct payments are for people who like more independence and control over how the support they require is arranged and who are able to manage the payments on their own or with help from another person.
• Council Tax Reduction
  Under current council tax legislation disabled people can apply for a reduction in their Council Tax. For more information or an application form contact your local District Council.

• Highways Access
  The Council has a responsibility to improve highway access for disabled people. This includes action such as dropped kerbs and footpaths, laying tactile paving and designated parking bays for disabled people and signs in public car parks. For more information contact your local Area Highways Team.
• Car Badges
  The Blue Badge Scheme provides a national arrangement of parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers. The scheme also applies to registered blind people, and people with very severe upper limb disabilities who regularly drive a vehicle but cannot turn a steering wheel by hand. It allows badge holders to park close to their destination, but the national concessions apply only to on-street parking.
• Community Cars
  The Community Car Scheme arranges for local volunteers who use their own cars to transport elderly and disabled people when suitable public transport is not available. For more information contact your local Dial-a-Ride Service.
• Community Transport
  A variety of community and voluntary transport projects have been established in recent years to provide transport to elderly and disabled people who are unable to use conventional bus services. For more information contact your local Dial-a-Ride Service.
• Dial-A-Ride
  Dial-a-Ride is a book-in-advance door-to-door transport service for people who cannot use public transport because of their disability. The vehicles are equipped with tail lifts. A charge is made towards the cost of transport and bookings need to be made 24 hours in advance. For more information contact your local Dial-a-Ride Service.
• Private Transport
  Information about taxis and minibuses, which are fully accessible for disabled people, is available from your local Disability Service or the Yellow Pages.

• Installation
  Social Services may be able to assist with the installation costs of a telephone, subject to an assessment of need. If you have a disability, live alone and require a telephone for medical reasons contact your local Access Team.

• In addition to the care provided by your local NHS Trust Community Nursing Service, there are also private nursing agencies. They provide qualified and auxiliary nurses to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, industry and to individuals requiring nursing care at home. The care may be for a 24 hour period, for short or long term illnesses or for holiday relief. Names of agencies can be obtained from Yellow Pages and Cheshire County Council Information Points (in libraries).

• Getting a wheelchair
  The National Health Service (NHS) wheelchair service will help you choose a wheelchair that meets your needs, including extras like cushions, arm rests or trays. Your doctor or hospital consultant can refer you for an assessment, which can take place in hospital or in your own home. If the therapist agrees that you could benefit from a more expensive chair than the local service can offer, you may be able to get a voucher that will allow you to pay the difference. Wheelchairs can be purchased from private suppliers and dealers. For more information contact your local Wheelchair Assessment Unit or your local Disability Service.
• Loans
  If you need to hire a wheelchair for a short period of time contact the Community Equipment Service via your local Disability Service or the British Red Cross.
• Repairs
  Engineers from carry out repairs to NHS wheelchairs free of charge. They also repair privately purchased wheelchairs. Contact for more information.
• Vouchers
  The wheelchair voucher scheme gives you the choice to accept a standard NHS wheelchair or contribute towards the cost of a more expensive wheelchair. If you take this "independent option", you will be responsible for the maintenance of the wheelchair. For more information, contact your local Wheelchair Assessment Unit or your local Disability Service.
• Powered/Outdoor
  If you are severely disabled and could benefit from a powered indoor/outdoor wheelchair, your wheelchair assessment unit may be able to provide you with one. For more information contact your local Wheelchair Assessment Unit.
• Toilet Key Network
  There is a network of wheelchair accessible toilets throughout the UK, which can be accessed through the National Key Scheme, providing a standard key that enables disabled people to use them. A small charge is made for the key and can be obtained from your local District Council, Tourist Office or apply directly to RADAR - the disability network.

• Citizens Advice Bureau
• National Disabilities Rights Commission
• Cheshire Disabilities Federation
• Altogether Now - News Service for Anyone Affected by a Disability or Age
• DirectGov Website - Links to information about Government Services

• Holiday Activity in Cheshire
  The British Craft Council 020 7278 7700
• Holiday Information
  Holiday Care Service 0845 124 9971
  Family Welfare Association 020 7254 6251
• National Accessibility Scheme
  The National Accessibility Scheme, agreed by the Holiday Care Service, is an accommodation-grading scheme for wheelchair users. Tourist boards have a responsibility to ensure that accommodation measures up to this national grading scheme and includes public access, disabled car park spaces, door widths, toilets, bedrooms, restaurants, lifts etc. For more information contact your local Disability Service.
• Places to visit
  Information about a wide variety of places to visit and their accessibility including restaurants, pubs and places to stay can be obtained from your local Disability Service.
• REMAP - Equipment for Disabled People
  REMAP is a unique charity which designs, manufactures and supplies technical aids to disabled people where there is no suitable commercial one available. They can also modify equipment to suit the needs of an individual.

• Accessible Homes
  For details of private and council house accommodation, which is accessible or adapted for disabled people contact the Re-housing Section at your local District Council.
• Gas Services
  Gas Companies take into account the needs of older and disabled customers by providing a range of special services including; a "Password" scheme so that people can be sure that the person calling on them is a genuine employee of the Gas Company; a record of customers with special needs, gas safety checks and specially adapted controls, including Braille or studded knobs for certain appliances. There are a number of free informative publications, plus information on tape for visually impaired customers, available from Energy Centres. For more information telephone 0645 555304.
• Electricity Services
  Local electricity boards offer a wide range of services to assist people with special needs. These include a "Password" scheme whereby the person has their own password, which is used when an electricity board worker or meter reader calls so that they can be sure that the caller is genuine. Other services include special appliances, adapted plugs and information on tape.
• Home Insulation
  EAGA Ltd makes grants towards draught proofing and insulating your home if you are in receipt of certain benefits. To find out if you are eligible contact EAGA partnership.
• Water Services
  United Utilities has a special range of services that are available to help disabled and elderly people with particular requirements such as home visits, bills and payments. Information is available including large print, Braille and audio cassette.

• Sexual and personal relationships
  Your local Disability Service has a comprehensive database of local and national information on a wide range of subjects for disabled people, their families, carers and professionals working in the field.
• Facial Camouflage Makeup
  The British Red Cross has skilled and experienced volunteers who offer informed advice to clients about Cosmetic Camouflage. They can also train blind people to apply their own make up. For more information contact: The Cosmetic Camouflage Service, Red Cross, Memorial House, Northwich Road, Knutsford WA16 0AW. Tel: 01565 650201.
• Artificial Limbs
  Amputees and people with congenital disabilities can be referred to an appliance fitter by a GP or surgeon. They will need to be assessed by a doctor specialising in prescribing artificial limbs. The doctor will refer the patient to a prosthetist, who will take measurements, make and fit the limb, with the aid of a technician. Training to use an artificial limb is provided by a physiotherapist in the physiotherapy department at your local hospital or artificial limb centre.

• The Disabled Workers Cooperative is a not for profit organisation that helps disabled people to help themselves.
• Self Employed
  If you are interested in setting up a business, you can get help from your local Learning and Skills Council. They offer a range of information and support services for people setting up or running a small business. Young unemployed people who have a viable idea to set up in business should contact the Prince’s Business Trust.
• Permitted Work
  From 8 April 2002, there are new benefit rules for people who want to try some paid work while they are receiving Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance or Income Support because of illness or disability.
• Training For Work Scheme
  Learning and Skills Councils have undertaken to provide a broad range of training and job development. In particular, the training for work scheme is focused on disabled people seeking employment. The Disability Employment Advisor at your local Job Centre can give advice on training or retraining. Also, if you are in receipt of a disability benefit, you can undertake full or part time education or training courses so long as you remain incapable of work.
• Working at home with technology
  The scheme is aimed at employing severely disabled people in their homes if they are unable to travel to work regularly. To qualify, you will have to be in long term, part time or full time employment. Suitable equipment on loan will be provided free of charge for as long as it is needed through the special aids and employment scheme. For more information contact your local Job Centre.
• Voluntary Work
  People who are incapable of work are allowed to carry out up to 16 hours of voluntary work per week. If you get any expenses as a volunteer, these should not affect your benefits. For more information contact your local Volunteer Bureau or The National Council for Voluntary Service.
• Welfare to Work Partnership
  Employment Support For Disabled People Directory pools various employment resources from different agencies into one place. Also see Welfare to Work for a detailed look at their aims and objectives.
• Work Step Programme
  Workstep is the new name for the Government's Employment Service Supported Employment provision. There are a number of Workstep providers in Cheshire and each of them have a separate contract to run their scheme. Access to these support schemes are always through your local Job Centre Disability Employment Advisor. The Workstep schemes are the only services currently available that can provide financial assistance when required.

The main Employment Disability Services include:

• Access to Work: Offers practical help to overcome difficulties that disabled people may face in getting or keeping work e.g. adaptations to equipment or premises.
• The Job Introduction Scheme: A payment to employers, for a period of six weeks, to help them employ a person with a disability.
• Work Preparation: A programme designed to meet individual disabled people’s needs, to help them prepare for work, perhaps after a long period of unemployment often including a placement with an employer.
• Employment Assessment: Usually undertaken by an Occupational Psychologist, this option identifies strengths and abilities and explores suitability of job goals with people who have disabilities. May also assist disabled people and their employers to retain a job.
• New Deal for Disabled People: A government initiative to help sick or disabled people back to work via a network of Job Brokers.
• The Disability Symbol: To encourage employers to demonstrate positive employment policies on employing and retaining disabled people.
• Cheshire and Warrington Connexions Partnership is the new Careers Service for young people in the region. It is part of the Government’s new integrated approach to providing information, advice, guidance and support on issues including education, careers, training and personal development.

Education

• Benefits
  Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Disabled Persons Tax Credits, Incapacity/Income Support. For information regarding these and other benefits available contact your local Benefits Agency or Citizens Advice Bureau.
• Funding & Insurance
  Many charities help people with a specific condition or disability. The criteria may differ but generally charities will only help individuals, families and groups who are on a low income. For more information contact your local Disability Service.
• Community Care Grants
  These payments are meant to help people to re-establish themselves in the community after spending some time away from home in hospital, at a hostel or in a residential care home. Forms are available from the Department for Work and Pensions.
• Independent Living Fund
  The Fund considers applications for financial assistance from disabled people aged between 16-65 years. All applicants must meet the following conditions: Receiving the highest rate of Disabled Living Allowance care component, be "severely disabled", be unable to pay for all the personal care that is needed, live alone or with another person who is unable to provide all the care needed and have incomes at income support level, or be in receipt of a care package from Social Services. Alternatively the Fund may act for people hoping to move out of hospital or residential care to provide care at home through agreed care plans with local Social Services. For more information contact: The Independent Living Fund, PO Box 7525, Nottingham NG2 4ZT
• Vat Exemption
  Certain aids, services and related goods designed solely for use by a disabled person are free of Value Added Tax (VAT). For more information contact: HM Customs & Excise, VAT Registration Unit, Queens Dock, Liverpool L74 4AG.

• Free legal advice
  may be obtained from solicitors under the advice and assistance scheme. If in doubt as to how to find legal advice services contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
• Disability Law Service
  This is a free service for people with mental, physical or sensory disabilities, their families carers or friends. It helps them to understand their legal rights, suggests what they might do to improve their situation and where appropriate intervenes to represent them. Please contact: Network for the Handicapped Ltd, Room 241, Ground Floor, 39-45 Cavell Street, London, E1 2BP, or
  Tel: 020 7791 9800
  Textphone 020 7791 9801
  Fax: 020 7791 9802
  Email: advice@dls.org.uk

• Escorts and attendants
  For those occasions when elderly or disabled people need an escort in travelling to a destination away from home the British Red Cross may be able to help.
• Travel to and from hospital
  If you are on a low income you may be able to get help with your travelling expenses to and from hospital. For more information see Department of Health - help with health costs.
• Shopmobility Schemes
  Shopmobility Schemes are located within town centres including Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich, Macclesfield and Winsford to give disabled people the opportunity to independently access shops and other facilities. This is made possible by the loan of manual and powered wheelchairs and electric scooters. For more information contact your local Disability Service.

• Assessment Centres
  If you would like to learn to drive and have a disability, Car Driving Assessment centres provide practical advice on driving, car adaptations and car choice for disabled drivers and passengers. For more information contact your local Disability Service.
• Breakdown Services
  The AA in conjunction with Tripscope has a discount scheme specifically for disabled drivers. The RAC have a similar one. The schemes are available to all orange/blue badge holders and profoundly deaf motorists. For more information contact the free AA Disability Helpline on 0800 262050. Fax: 0990 143484 or the RAC Helpline on 0800 550550.
• Driving Lessons
  If you are between 16 and 24 years old and receive the higher rate Motability component of Disability Living Allowance you can apply under the Motability Scheme for a scholarship, which will entitle you to have free driving lessons. If you already have a car under the Motability scheme, which is at present being driven by someone else but you wish to learn to drive it yourself, help with driving lessons may also be available. For more information contact the Motability Scheme telephone: 0845 456 4566.
• Motability Scheme
  If you receive the higher rate component of Disability Living Allowance you, or a member of your family or your carer, could be able to drive a new car under the Motability Scheme. Included in the deal will be 3 years free servicing, 3 years insurance cover and membership of the RAC or AA. For more information contact the Motability Scheme on 0845 456 4566.
• Safety Seatbelts
  Some disabled people are unable to use seat belts. An application form to apply for exemption from wearing a seat belt can be obtained from your Doctor who may make a charge for endorsing the application.
• Tax Exemption
  If you get the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance you, or someone you choose in your place, may apply for exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty. Anyone receiving this higher mobility component of DLA should automatically have been sent a Vehicle Excise Duty exemption form by the DWP. Exemption continues for those on the pre-1976 vehicle schemes or passengers getting DLA or Attendance Allowance assessed before 12/10/93. For more information contact: Disability and Carers Benefits Directorate (DCBD), Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill, Blackpool, FY2 0YE Tel: 0845 712 3456.

• British Telecom
  BT provide a wide range of services for disabled people including telephone attachments to help people with speech or hearing difficulties, extra bells, computerised equipment, telephone bills in Braille and telephones with large keys. For more information telephone: 0800 800 150.