Adult Social Care at Sutton

Sutton is dedicated to helping vulnerable adults and their families. We believe in using a strength-based approach that helps people make good choices for their health, wellbeing, and happiness, as well as to live their best lives. We support people from all ages and backgrounds, and we're committed to empowering them to live as independently as possible.

Adult Social Care is undergoing a significant transformation to address the rising demand for our services. As a result, we have introduced a range of new career opportunities for social care professionals, focused on providing the best in social care practice and a working environment that promotes career growth. We're implementing wide-ranging changes to improve care for adults and creating positive working environments for our staff. We have new leaders and experienced managers who bring innovative ideas to the service and are driving meaningful changes throughout our service delivery.

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The New Operating Model

Adult First Contact Service - Safeguarding, DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) And General Duty Team

Sutton is taking an important step towards building a more inclusive and supportive community. We have introduced a new Adults First Contact Service that will screen individuals for safeguarding issues and help residents get the support they need. The objective is to provide a person-centred approach that recognises each individual’s strengths and abilities and fosters a supportive and inclusive environment. The service provides a point of contact for information services that empowers residents to make decisions and stay independent. Our commitment to develop the Adults First Contact Service signifies the importance of delivering a social care practice that prioritises resident experience, safety and independence within a diverse and inclusive working environment.

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Mental Health, Learning Disabilities & Transitions

Sutton is creating a new dedicated Mental Health team to help people with a mental health diagnosis, and who as a result of this diagnosis have eligible social care needs. An AMHP service will undertake the statutory duties under the Mental Health Act, while a hospital discharge service will enable safe and effective discharge from inpatient units as well as provide assessment, review and support planning under the Care Act. The team will monitor and review those people subject to Section 117 aftercare and complete other statutory duties such as social supervision. The team will work closely with our NHS partners and other local voluntary and statutory agencies.

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The OT Hub

Sutton is creating a new service called the Occupational Therapy Hub. This hub will help adults, young people, and children with different needs including reablement. Our goal is to work together as a team to provide the best support. The hub will offer many services, such as helping people get back on their feet after an illness or injury, and assessing their housing needs. In addition, the OT Hub will provide professional leadership and career development for aspiring occupational therapists and social care practitioners. Sutton is currently one of the only London boroughs to launch an Occupational Therapy Preceptorship programme, ensuring that those new to the field or returning to practice receive the guidance they need to excel.

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Localities

In Sutton, we have four Locality teams: Wallington, Carshalton, Sutton and Cheam. These Locality teams play a vital role in providing social care services to a diverse range of individuals, including older people, individuals with physical and sensory disabilities, and those with mental health-related needs.

The new model will manage services through a unified approach for consistent leadership and performance improvement. Social workers and NHS professionals will work together to provide holistic care, meeting each individual's unique needs.

By fostering a culture of collaboration and communication between health and social care professionals, our Locality teams provide a social care service that enhances the quality of life whilst promoting a more efficient and effective use of our professional networks and resources.

Hospital Pathway And Reablement (Start) Service

Sutton's Hospital Pathway And Reablement (Start) Service is designed to help people recover from hospital stays and get back to living independently. This service provides support and assistance to individuals who need it, helping them to regain their independence and confidence. The goal is to enable people to return home safely and comfortably, with the support they need to manage their daily lives.

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Principal Social Worker Debbie Brough talks about her career in Sutton, what the working culture is like and the new development opportunities to grow your career

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We are building capacity across our adult social care services in Sutton to ensure we provide the best we can to residents. Services must be robust and resilient both to government reforms and increased demands on our resources. As a team, we are developing a culture where we can all thrive, where we celebrate what is good and where we continuously improve.  We want to increase Sutton’s reputation as a great place to work and where, as a member of the team, you feel you have achieved and made a difference each and every day.