Susan Carol Independent Social Work Services

Independent Social Work Services - Private Clients and Families With over 28 years' experience in adult social work, I provide independent, confidential support to individuals, families, and professionals. I specialise in helping people who are self-funding (paying for their own care), ineligible for local authority social service support, or simply seeking independent advice and guidance. I support clients who may be living alone, recently bereaved, caring for a loved one, or looking to plan for the future. My aim is to provide clear, practical guidance to enable confident decisions about care, support, and future planning to be made often during times of great stress. I offer:

• in-depth knowledge of local authority and NHS systems
• independent, client-focused approach
• fully confidential and professional service

 Discovery Appointments. These sessions help you clarify your needs and next steps, without pressure or obligation.

• FREE 15-minute telephone consultation to discuss your situation and options
• 30-minute discovery appointment online or via telephone for a more in-depth conversation
• 1-hour face-to-face discovery appointment (local to Northeast England) for detailed, personalised planning

Other Services:

• Care Act assessments to identify your full care and support needs
• social care brokerage and care planning, finding and coordinating the right care services for you
• advice on safeguarding vulnerable adults
• second opinions on local authority assessments, care plans, or interventions
• independent input if the local authority is unable to offer everything you require
• support for self-funders who need help filling the gaps when council services can't assist
• assistance with financial benefits, including Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Carer's Allowance, Pension Credit, and Council Tax Benefit

Independent Mental Capacity Assessments- expert, efficient and court-compliant reports you can trust.

With over 28 years' experience in social work and working with the Mental Capacity Act since 2007, I provide independent, timely, and court-compliant capacity assessments for individuals, solicitors, and families.

Professional Capacity Assessments available:

• CoP3 Reports (Court of Protection)
• Testamentary Capacity - capacity to make or amend a will
• Capacity to Litigate - ability to take part in legal proceedings
• Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) - understanding powers of attorney
• Certificate Provider Services - impartial confirmation of capacity and understanding
• PA14 Probate Certificate - probate applications
• other capacity decisions available

Fast, Professional Service:

• avoid GP or local authority delays
• appointments arranged quickly and conveniently
• reports completed promptly
• all reports confidential, compliant with the Mental Capacity Act (2005), and suitable for use in legal or court proceedings
Independent Social Work Services are Ideal For:

• individuals or families navigating complex care needs
• self-funders unsure how to arrange or manage their care
• carers or relatives wanting advice and reassurance
• people seeking a second opinion on care decisions

Contact me for professional, compassionate support, helping you make informed choices about care.