20 March 2017

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

People in East Grinstead can now start having a conversation about their adult social care needs in a new way.

From this week, people are being encouraged to have early conversations with West Sussex County Council about their adult social care needs.

The aim is to reach out to people in their communities to help support their independence and quality of life.

A multi-disciplinary team from the county council will be based in the local area where they can talk with people about their circumstances.

For more information call 01243 642121 or email socialcare@westsussex.gov.uk.

Peter Catchpole, Cabinet Member for Adult Services at West Sussex County Council, said: “We recognise people like to have these conversations closer to where they live.

“We want to meet people, their families and carers in local settings to talk about the support they need and we’ll help people make the best use of their strengths, including family and community networks.

“The new approach is also intended to provide greater continuity of contact with members of staff.”

East Grinstead is one of the first areas to trial the new approach.

A number of other areas are also trialling the new way of working. If it proves successful, a decision will be taken in the autumn about introducing the new approach across the county from January 2018.