When to Contact Adult Social Care (ASC) and How It Can Help You

Advice and Information - 3 July 2026

Adult Social Care (ASC) in North Northamptonshire supports adults who need help to live safely, independently, and with dignity. Despite this, there are still common misunderstandings about who ASC is for and when people should get in touch.

This article aims to clarify what ASC does, who it is for, and how it can help—whether someone needs short-term advice, longer-term support, or simply guidance about what services are available.

ASC is for more people than you might think

A common myth is that Adult Social Care is only for older people or those with significant disabilities.

In reality, ASC supports any adult (aged 18+) who may be experiencing difficulties with daily living, health, wellbeing, or independence. This includes people of working age as well as older adults.

You do not need to be in crisis or already receiving care to contact ASC. Many people approach ASC simply to understand what support may be available to them.


When should you contact Adult Social Care?

You may wish to contact ASC if you are:

  • Struggling to manage everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, cooking, or getting around safely
  • Finding that your health or disability is affecting your independence
  • Experiencing changes in your mental health that are impacting daily life
  • Returning home after a hospital stay and needing support to manage
  • Feeling unsafe or worried about your wellbeing at home
  • Unsure what support services might be available to help you live independently

You can also contact ASC if you are unsure whether you meet eligibility criteria. The team can talk through your situation and advise on next steps.


What ASC can help with

Adult Social Care can offer a wide range of support depending on individual needs. This may include:

  • A care needs assessment to understand what support you may require
  • Advice and information about local services and community support
  • Support to remain independent at home, including equipment or adaptations
  • Arranging short-term support to help you regain independence after illness or hospital discharge
  • Longer-term care and support planning where eligible
  • Referrals to other appropriate services if ASC is not the right service for your needs

If someone is not eligible for ASC support, the team will not simply end contact. Instead, they can provide guidance and signposting to other organisations that may be able to help.


What if ASC is not the right service?

Not everyone who contacts ASC will meet eligibility criteria for funded care. However, ASC still plays an important role in:

  • Providing clear advice and information
  • Helping people understand other support options
  • Referring individuals to services such as health, housing, or voluntary sector support
  • Ensuring people are not left without guidance on where to turn next

ASC acts as a key “front door” into wider support services across the community.


Support for carers

While this article focuses on adults seeking support for themselves, ASC also works closely with unpaid carers.

If you are supporting someone else, you may find our article on what support is available for carers helpful which can be accessed here.


How to contact Adult Social Care in North Northamptonshire

Telephone: 0300 126 3000 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm) 

For urgent situations outside normal hours (evenings, weekends, and bank holidays), you can contact the emergency duty team: 01604 626 938 
 

Online referral

You can request a social care assessment or make a referral online via North Northamptonshire Council’s adult social care pages or by clicking here.


Final thoughts

Adult Social Care is often misunderstood, but its role is to help adults maintain independence, safety, and quality of life—whatever stage of life they are at.

Reaching out does not mean you will automatically receive services, but it does mean you will receive information, guidance, and a professional conversation about what support may be available to you.

If you are unsure whether to contact ASC, it is always better to ask than to struggle alone.

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