Access point

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Easier Access to Adult Social Care

It is easy to obtain information and advice on Adult Social Care in Brighton & Hove.

The Access Point team has been set up to respond to Adult Social Care needs.

The Access Point team, based at Bartholomew House, Bartholomew Square, will provide:

• a single point of contact for new and existing users of social care services 
• better information and advice on the full range of care options
• a simple assessment process designed to resolve people’s needs as quickly as possible
• where needs are more complex, users will be referred to the appropriate team for a more detailed assessment

Access Point is now offering an outreach service in the form of drop-in and appointment sessions across Brighton & Hove. These offer an opportunity to have face-to-face advice and information, and, if appropriate, on-the-spot social care assessments and carers assessments. For details of your nearest outreach session, please see our  Schedule_of_Access_Point_Outreach_Sessions_Dec11 [PDF 26kb]

For general information regarding Adult Social Care Services, you may find the following leaflets useful:

• Are you entitled to help from Adult Social Care? 2010 [pdf 780kb]
• Quick Guide to Adult Social Care Services 2010 [pdf 284kb]

You can download the Access Point flyer, available in the following languages:

Amharic [45KB]                                                                                                Arabic [62KB]                                                                                                   Bengali [53KB]                                                                                                   English [30KB]                                                                                                      Farsi [38KB]                                                                                                      French [36KB]                                                                                                   Mandarin [33KB]                                                                                                 Oromifa [34KB]                                                                                                       Polish [36KB]                                                                                                   Portuguese [40KB]                                                                                                  Sorani [35KB]                                                                                                                 Thai [50KB]

How can I contact the Access Point?

Telephone: (01273) 295555 

Minicom: (01273) 296388
Write to: Access Point
3rd Floor Barts House
Bartholomew’s Square, BN1 1JE
Email: accesspoint@brighton-hove.gov.uk 
This is a secure email address which is part of the GCSX network that is used for all Government departments, including the NHS and Police.

Assessing your needs

Initially we will look at the information you have provided and establish if an assessment is required. You might simply require information.

Before we can arrange services for you, you will need to have an assessment to identify your needs, and to decide whether you qualify for a service. This is likely to take place over the telephone.

The Access Point may be able to provide services directly as a result of this assessment but, if your needs are more complex, the Access Point may refer you to a specialist team to carry out a more detailed assessment. This assessment is more likely to be carried out face to face in your own home.

Alternatively you can complete the online self-assessment.

If you have a carer, we will listen carefully to their views during your assessment, and will take their needs into account. We will ask your carer whether they want a separate assessment of their needs.

If you qualify for services under the eligibility criteria, the assessment will be the basis for planning the services you could receive. 

• more information on how we assess your needs
• more information on the eligibility criteria
• more information on Charges for care

If you would like further information and advice on what services we provide please contact the Access Point (contact details above).

Information Prescriptions

For more information about managing long term health conditions and social care needs you may find the Information Prescriptions website useful.

The Information prescriptions website provides you with accurate and up to date information about services in Brighton and Hove. This can help you improve and support your health and wellbeing.

It is an easy way for you to help meet your health and social care related needs.

You can find the Information Prescription website here www.ipbh.org.uk

Click on the coloured category button of your choice and start looking through the links and information provided. You can use the search button in the top right hand corner if you are sure of what you are looking for.

This is your opportunity to know what is going on around you and make informed choices.

Should you find any information that is incorrect, out of date or missing, let us know as soon as possible.

Email us at ip@bhpct.nhs.uk or phone 01273 295555