How do I get the support I need?

At Style Acre our person-centred support ranges from 24-hour care for those with complex learning, health and or physical disabilities to a few hours support per week for those who live more independently. We also provide day opportunities and work placements. We have a wide offer of support and know this can often feel confusing and daunting especially if this is new to you and your family member.

Referrals can be made through the individual’s social care team, if relevant their local health authority or through a self-referral. If you are self-referring or just want a bit more information about what we do please complete our Referral Form for further information. Please note our day opportunities and work placements often have a waiting list.

Access Ava chatbot and get free legal advice

AccessAva can give you information and guidance about your social care rights 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Access will ask questions to find out more about you and your situation. Based on your answers AccessAva will give you information and guidance, in many different formats. You can also download template letters that can help you.

AccessAva is free and can be used by clicking on the chat icon in the bottom right hand corner of this webpage.

AccessAva provides information and guidance. The chatbot content has been developed by a team of qualified social care lawyers and is regularly reviewed. Style Acre hosts the chatbot on behalf of Access Social Care. Using the chatbot is at your own discretion.

Find out more about Access Social Care

Access Social Care Legal Service Membership

Who are Access Social Care?

We provide free legal advice and information for people who draw on social care, helping them to achieve a better quality of life. Via our Legal Service Membership, Style Acre can refer cases for specific information, advice, and representation, and receive training on people’s legal rights to social care.

We have a legal team who can represent you in communication with a local authority, healthcare trust or other third party. We can also advise you on legal rights and entitlements. In most cases, we can resolve issues without referral to a law firm, but if this is needed, we have a network of contacts across the country who you can approach for support. Style Acre pay for a fixed amount of membership support per month and referrals are accepted for casework within these hours of support. Our advice is always provided in the best interests of the person with care and support needs.

Social care covers a broad range of support. It can include residential care, supported living or care in your own home, support with personal care (such as eating, washing, or getting dressed), support from personal assistants or carers when going out shopping or socialising, or specialist recreational services.

Why might I need support from Access Social Care?

We will be working with Style Acre on a range of common social care issues, such as:

Lack of appropriate funding in care plans
Needs for additional support
Transitions – children into adult services
New assessments of need
Care plan reviews

This is not an exhaustive list, and no query is too big or small. Our support is designed to make sure that you or your family member gets the social care that you need.

Do I speak to Access Social Care directly?

It depends on what issue you are facing. Sometimes, Style Acre will speak directly with Access Social Care without providing your details to discuss the social care legal framework and how it should be operating. At other times, you might be referred directly to us for casework support. This would always be with your permission. A caseworker would support you through your social care issue and would explain the steps they could take to try and achieve the best outcome.

Is there a cost for me?

No. The information, advice, and representation you receive via the Style Acre Legal Service Membership is entirely free.

Where can I find out more information?

Visit www.accesscharity.org.uk or contact Chris Ingram who can put you in touch with somebody from Access Social Care to have a conversation directly.