New number for customers wanting social care advice

Adults who require help, support or advice about social care for the first time can now contact the council on just one single number from this week.

From Friday 13 May 2011 customers can call 0345 678 9044 and will be answered by experienced and professional advisers at Shropshire Council’s Customer Service Centre who will be on hand to advise customers who may need help and access to the council’s adult social care services.   As well as identifying whether someone is eligible for a service at first point of contact, individuals can also be signposted to other relevant services within the council.

All calls will be dealt with sensitively and in the strictest of confidence by a friendly and dedicated team of advisers, who will ensure customers get the right help and support as quickly and easily as possible.  The team will deal with requests for services for people with sensory impairment, people with a physical disability, people with a learning disability, and for elderly people.

Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, said:

“People in need of social care support can be reassured in receiving a comprehensive service that will improve accessibility and response times.  Our new service is designed to give a consistent and efficient response to those accessing adult social care for the first time.”

Councillor Gwilym Butler, Cabinet member for partnership working, performance, productivity and customer service, said:

“The improved service now means that customers no longer need to call different numbers across the county.  Having one clear point of telephone contact for adults who require help, support or advice about social care will make it easier for customers to access the services they need.”

People who already receive social care support from the council can still call their local social care team.  However, the Customer Service Centre will be the first port of call for new customers who need social care or other support for the first time.

If you or someone you know requires help, support or advice about social care for the first time, then call on 0345 678 9044.   Our Minicom number is 01743 210318.  We have also extended our working hours to meet our customer preferences.

For emergency calls, customers can still call our out of hours service on 0345 678 9040.

Our telephone lines are open between:

Monday: 8am to 8pm
Tuesday: 8am to 6pm
Wednesday: 8am to 6pm
Thursday: 8am to 8pm
Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturday: 9am to 1pm

Closed on Bank Holidays.