Jewish Care’s social work and community support services help individuals, families, carers and communities by enabling people to make a meaningful difference to their lives, with dignity and choice. The support you need could be only a tap away.
We can help:
- identify what support, care or services you need
- advise, co-ordinate and act on your behalf with local authorities
- signpost you to other helpful services
- provide support and advice for as long as required
Our services are free and easy to use and are available to anyone over the age of 18. You can call us about yourself, a relative or friend (as long as you have the permission of the person you’re concerned about). GPs or other health or social care professionals can also contact us.
To get in touch, please call our confidential helpline on 020 8922 2222 or email helpline@jcare.org
We’ve also created an online library of services and resources that are able to offer help and guidance.
Once you have contacted the Jewish Care Direct helpline, your details will be given to a member of the team and we will call you back to talk through your situation. We may also arrange a visit to have a more in-depth conversation. At that point, we will discuss with you the different support or services that may be suitable, whether part of Jewish Care or other service providers. We will then work with you to help put these into place.
Jewish Care has four locality-based teams of experienced social workers and community support workers. They have extensive knowledge and experience in adult social care, addressing a wide range of issues including dementia, disability and welfare rights, mental health, future planning, and end-of-life and palliative care support.
Our locality teams are based in:
- East London and Essex (including Southend)
- Northwest and Central London
- South Hertfordshire
- South London and the Southern Counties (including Brighton).
For those outside these areas, we offer telephone support and signposting.
Each locality team includes a designated family carers worker who provides emotional support and practical advice for individuals caring for an adult relative, friend, or neighbour. This support is available through one-to-one meetings, support groups, and conversations via phone, video call, or email. Additionally, they assist people whose relatives are moving into residential care.
Beyond our locality teams, we have the Shalvata team, which offers dedicated support for Holocaust survivors and refugees. This includes practical advice, counselling, assessments, and assistance with grant applications. Our Occupational Therapist and Welfare Benefits team also provide essential support and guidance to our community.
- GOV.UK’s Lasting power of attorney: acting as an attorney has detailed information about this subject.
- Age UK: Power of attorney to find links on how to set up LPA for yourself.
- Age UK: Making a will
- GOV.UK: Making a will
- Managing your finances: Wills, trusts and legacies
- Ambitions for Palliative and End of Life Care
- British Heart Foundation: Facing the end of life
- Cancer Research: Care planning
- Forum for discussion and thought: End-of-life decisions
- Marie Curie: Planning ahead
Frequently asked questions
Adult social care encompasses a variety of services and support aimed at helping adults with physical disabilities, mental health issues, learning disabilities, and older adults to live as independently as possible. These services can include personal care, assistance with daily activities, and support for carers.
You can request a needs assessment by contacting Jewish Care Direct at 0208 922 2222 or emailing helpline@jcare.org. Alternatively, you can reach out to your local council’s adult social services department, typically via phone, online application, or by visiting the council offices in person. We can assist you with this process.
A needs assessment involves a social worker or community support worker visiting you to discuss your situation, difficulties, and the type of help you require. This assessment may also include input from healthcare professionals and family members, if appropriate.
Our assessments and services are free of charge. Assessments conducted by statutory services (local council social services) are also free. However, some support services, such as day centres, respite care, and home care, may be chargeable based on a financial assessment.
Yes, carers can receive support through a carer’s assessment, which evaluates their needs and the impact of their caregiving responsibilities.
Safeguarding refers to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Social workers play a key role in safeguarding vulnerable adults by investigating concerns, coordinating responses, and ensuring appropriate measures are in place to protect them.
Social workers assess needs, develop care plans, arrange and coordinate services, provide emotional support, and advocate for individuals’ rights and needs. They work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies to ensure holistic care.
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the general term used to describe the voluntary discussion you have with the people who are important to you. For example: sharing what treatments we would accept or refuse; where we would like to live if we could no longer live at home; or where we would wish to be cared for at the very end of our lives.
An advance statement is not a formal document, but it can guide and inform those who may need to make future decisions on your behalf.
An Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) is a legally binding document which relates to refusing lifesaving treatment. This was previously referred to as a ‘living will’ or an ‘advance directive’. This is an important matter that you need to discuss with your GP or other health professionals who may be involved with your care. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an attempt to start your heart again after it has stopped working. Whether you choose not to have this is another important decision which you should discuss with your GP or other health professionals.
This is a formal and legal document which will ensure that your wishes will be followed once you are no longer alive.
You may have questions about burial planning. You can always contact your synagogue to find resources, but if you do not belong to a synagogue, please contact Jewish Care Direct on 0208 922 2222 who can signpost you to available resources in your area relating to burials, cremation, and minyan support.
Alternatively, if you prefer to talk to someone from our Social Work and Community Support Service, please call Jewish Care Direct on 0208 922 2222 or email Helpline@jcare.org for more information.
This is a legally binding document which allows you to choose someone else to manage your affairs and take decisions on your behalf once you no longer have the mental capability. You can appoint more than one person to act on your behalf. An LPA is only valid once registered with the Office of Public Guardian. You cannot complete an LPA if you no longer have mental capacity, so it is important to set up your LPA with important people in your life that you trust.
To read guidance on Lasting Power of Attorney please click here.