What do Social Services do?
We have a legal duty to look after vulnerable people in Sheffield. Social Services makes sure that people in Sheffield with social care needs are provided with help, care, support and protection to enable them to live independent and dignified lives at home or elsewhere in the community. To achieve this we work with other organisations to provide a range of care services. Social Services is separate from the government's Department of Social Security, which means we are unable to help with financial support provided by the Benefits Agency and the Child Support Agency.
Social Services gives support to all kinds of people with a variety of care needs. Everyone can get information and advice from us, and many people receive further help. Most of the support we give is aimed at enabling people to maintain their independence, in their own home in their local community.
Social Services works in partnership with housing services, family doctors, health visitors, hospitals, the police, courts and probation services and many other caring organisations to plan, provide and arrange services. If we can't help you ourselves, we will always try to put you in touch with someone who can.
Nationally Social Services deal with over one and a half million people and their families every year, employing about one million care staff. Most people, or their friends and relatives, will have contact with Social Services during part of their lives.
Who do we help, care for, support and protect?
- vulnerable older people
- children in need
- people with a physical disability or sensory impairment
- people with a learning disability
- people with mental health problems
- carers of all ages - someone who provides regular care for: a relative, partner or friend, and who needs support because they cannot manage at home by themselves
How do we help?
Everyone can ask for information and advice from Social Services. This might be all you need.
The types of services we provide include:
- home care
- meals on wheels
- residential care homes
- day centres
- child protection
- family support centres
- rehabilitation after an accident or illness
- adoption and fostering
- respite care
- occupational therapy
These web pages contain information about our priorities and criteria - how we prioritise our budgets to make sure we support those most in need of our help. There's also more information about the wide range of voluntary and community organisations who provide information, advice and help. You'll also find details of some of the companies you can contact to purchase equipment and services - such as help with shopping, or practical help such as cleaning.
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