Due to unprecedented demand we have had to suspend referrals into our service. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and aim to resume full referral services as soon as possible.
In the meantime, please do signpost the person you are supporting to either:
- our self-help resources: Citizens Advice website, Virtual Adviser tool or benefit calculator, or
- contact us directly by phone, email or in person.
Record numbers of people are turning to us for help as the country continues to face a cost-of-living crisis and reduction in key services. Over the last year, demand for our service has increased significantly.
If you or the person you are supporting has tried our self-help resources e.g. Citizens Advice website or benefit calculator but need further help please follow the steps below.
Before you make a referral
The following ‘best practice’ will enable us to progress your referral and help your client or patient quickly:
- Get the permission of the person you are supporting to share their information
- Provide as many contact details for your client/patient as possible
- Explain what the issue is, what steps have been taken and what advice or help is needed
- Let us know if other organisations or agencies are involved, and how
Note: If you’re a health or other professional working with clients in Somerset with mental health support needs, who need advice, please complete the Open Mental Health first contact form.
Making the referral
We have a number of specialised services and referral options depending on the advice needs of the person you are supporting. When you complete the referral form you will be asked to select the option that is most appropriate:
- Debt – the person you are supporting is in debt and needs debt related advice (including budgeting)
- Housing – the person you are supporting is facing homelessness or is at risk of losing their home
- Litigants in Person – the person you are supporting is a survivor of domestic abuse and needs family/child law advice
- Macmillan – you want to refer someone affected by cancer who need welfare benefits help
- Multiple Sclerosis – you want to refer someone who is affected by MS and needs advice (any topic)
- Cygnet Healthcare & Elysium Healthcare – for referrals from staff and advocates working in these hospitals
- Health Connections Mendip – for referrals from Mendip GP practice social prescribing and health coaching team
- HPC Advice and Community Empowerment – for local agencies working with people in the Hinkley Point C area (from Brean to Minehead)
- Anything else – select this option if none of the above apply e.g. welfare benefits, general housing, money advice etc.
After you've referred
You will receive an acknowledgement email to confirm that we have received your referral.
When we contact the person you have referred our phone number may show as a ‘private number’. It would be appreciated if you could let your client/patient know so they are aware of this. Thank you.
