New scheme hopes to reach more people in need of adult social care in Sheffield

A study done in the first few weeks of the project showed two thirds of the people using a new drop-in service called First Local in Darnall had never approached the adult social care services before.

Most people asked about issues relating to access and mobility and said they were encouraged by a poster or flyer in a GP surgery or by recommendation from their GP.

The council are now looking to introduce the scheme city-wide to try and reach more people and prevent problems later in their life.

Dr Tim Gollins, head of localities in adult social care, said in a report on the scheme: “The project is designed to offer a new way for people who could benefit from very early intervention and prevention to engage with adult social care.

“The team can provide information and advice as well as demonstrate equipment and telecare devices, and visit people in their homes.

"The aim is to take prevention to the heart of an area of Sheffield that sees a high proportion of GP referrals to adult social care, changing people’s perceptions in the process and engaging with people who might otherwise not become known to the council until they are in a crisis.”

The project involves a multi-skilled team made up of staff from various areas. It was initially open full-time during the surgery’s opening hours for anyone to approach them for a chat.

In one case, a woman came to the service in distress about problems with the housing association. Upon talking to them, the service found out she had a brain tumour and problems with her eyesight so was struggling to meet their demands.

After speaking with the housing association about the medical issues she was facing, the service encouraged them to adapt her home to solve the issue and ease off on their demands.

Staff found as a result of their intervention the housing association dealt with the person with much more empathy and allowed her to concentrate on treatment.