Council announces a single access service to support children and adults

Neath Port Talbot Council has established a single dedicated service to deal with enquiries relating to adults’ and children’s social services.

The Adults’ and Children’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) service combines two previously separate services into one which also has a single email address and telephone number.

The purpose of the SPOC service is to act as the initial contact for people who require information and advice relating to the health and wellbeing of children, families and adults. It can accept referrals and offer help concerning:

• Reporting safeguarding issues of suspected abuse or neglect
• Support provided by the council or health services
• Support services provided by community organisations and voluntary groups

The service brings together staff with different areas of expertise who can help assess and coordinate what support a person requires. This includes:

• Contact officers to take your calls and can provide you with information and advice
• An occupational therapist to help advise on how you can improve your ability to do everyday tasks if you’re having difficulties.
• Social workers to assess the needs or concerns raised about a child or adult, including safeguarding decisions
• A police officer to assess information and notifications about children and adults coming to the attention of the police.
• A carer worker to advise on the support available to unpaid carers and young carers
• A nurse to advise on falls advice and ensure the right nursing team are aware of concerns and whether there needs to be more depth community nursing involvement.

Councillor Alan Locker, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services, said:

 “We are always striving to provide the best service for all our residents, especially those who are vulnerable or require some additional support.

“By creating the Single Point of Contact service, we are able to combine a wealth of specialist knowledge into a single service whilst also making it easier for people to find and access the support they need.”

To contact SPOC, call 01639 686802 (Open 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 4.30pm on a Friday) or email spoc@npt.gov.uk . The service is currently operating a ‘call back system’ which asks people to leave a message and then a member of the team will get back to you.

Residents can also access information about what support services are provided by community organisations through searching the online directory known as Dewis. To search the directory, visit www.npt.gov.uk/dewis or www.dewis.wales .