Suffolk Social Services
Suffolk residents can now submit documentation using a new free mobile application. NYDocSubmit is available on Apple and Google Play stores.
The county has two NHS Integrated Care Systems – Ipswich and East Suffolk and West Suffolk and Babergh. Each has its own local authority teams which work together to support the population.
Health and social care
Suffolk is an ageing county and healthy life expectancy – the number of years we are expected to live free from illness – is decreasing. This is leading to increased demand for care services and a need to improve quality of life.
Integrated care partnerships bring together NHS and local government organisations and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to focus on prevention and other wider factors that affect people’s health. They also aim to reduce health inequalities.
Domiciliary care workers support clients with daily living tasks such as washing, dressing and cooking in their own homes. They can also help their clients to access the community by driving them around or taking them shopping.
Advocacy services can offer help and advice to vulnerable people who have no or limited capacity, or do not understand their rights. They can help them make decisions, appeal against a decision and raise concerns with the authorities. Suffolk is served by two advocacy organisations.
Children and young people
If a child or young person is not safe, social workers will get involved. They will talk to the family and the child (if they’re old enough) to find out more. They will also contact other services that work with the family, such as health and police.
If they think a child might be at risk of harm, the social worker will work with the other agencies to decide how to keep them safe. This could include working with police to look at the safety of a home, or using other strategies to help the child and family.
Integrated Care Partnerships are a group of NHS organisations, local government and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector that work together to plan and buy health care services. They focus on prevention, tackling wider social issues that affect people’s health and reducing inequalities.
Older people
The Suffolk County Department of Social Services works with the State and Federal government to offer public welfare programs to eligible individuals. These programs help meet basic needs while encouraging independence and self-sufficiency. Some of the services offered by the department include Medicaid, food assistance, and cash assistance.
Suffolk County has a number of programs available for older adults to assist with daily living and care needs. These programs include home care, senior nutrition program, options counseling, and support for family caregivers. Additionally, the department provides a community transition liaison program that helps seniors transition back to their communities after spending time in a nursing facility.
If you are seeking assistance from Suffolk County, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific eligibility requirements and application process for each program or service. The county website and individual programs provide detailed information, including documentation required for each service. It is also helpful to work with a social service advocate to navigate the system more effectively.
Housing
With the cost of living rising many families struggle to cope. There are a range of sources of help available from local organisations.
Whether you need temporary cash assistance or help with food, Suffolk County has programs to fit your needs. The department also has a prescreen tool so you can check your eligibility before applying for programs.
If you live in a West Suffolk Council district and work sixteen hours or more each week, then you may be eligible for housing support. Alternatively, if you are a tenant and are experiencing difficulties with your housing then you should contact the Housing Advice Team.
All housing in West Suffolk is owned by registered providers following stock transfers. St Edmundsbury Borough transferred their stock to Havebury Housing Partnership and Forest Heath District to Kings Forest Housing Ltd. Housing association staff have a role to play in supporting people to maintain their homes, especially when they are having difficulty and they can offer advice on financial and other issues.