Social workers deliver food parcels and warm packs to adults at risk of self-neglect
Social workers at Norfolk County Council have been delivering food parcels and warm packs in the run up to Christmas, helping vulnerable adults at risk of self-neglect. Teams from Adult Social Care visited 12 people in the Norwich area over two days, checking on their welfare, offering help and support and providing the resources they might need to stay warm and well over the winter.
Those who self-neglect will sometimes not eat properly, heat their homes, or ask for help and the pre-Christmas visits were aimed at building relationships with people and letting them know that Norfolk County Council is here to help.
Cllr Bill Borrett, Chairman of Norfolk County Council's Adult Social Care Committee, said: “Those who suffer from self-neglect are often reluctant to seek help, don’t have phones and won’t respond to letters. This pre-Christmas project has given our staff a chance to go out and visit what are some of our most vulnerable residents, making sure that they are safe and warm over Christmas and the winter months. By reaching out in this way we are also able to build relationships and show people we are here to help them. This is a fantastic example of the great work our social work teams do throughout the year to help people remain independent and keep them safe.”
The social workers provided food from Norfolk’s food banks and warm packs from Norwich City Council. They also provided blankets, dog food and toiletries, which they had collected themselves. One resident also received a bed, as they had nowhere suitable to sleep. The warm packs contain a range of items including hats, gloves, foot warmers, fleecy blankets and insulated mugs.
Anyone with concerns about the safety or welfare of an adult or child can call Norfolk County Council on 0344 800 8020.
For political comment
Cllr Bill Borrett (Conservative) Chairman of the Adult Social Care Committee, on 01362 860200
Cllr Brenda Jones (Labour), on 07833 467 301
Cllr Brian Watkins (Liberal Democrat), on 01603 259306
Published