For families, friends and neighbours
Worried about someone? Tell us
You do not need to be a relative, hold power of attorney, or know what kind of care they need. If you are concerned about someone and think they might need support, start here.
Call +44 20 4634 2291 · OFFICE HOURS
What we can and cannot do
We can talk to you about the situation, explain what kinds of support exist, and — if the person agrees — arrange a free assessment. We can also point you to the right place if what they need is not what we provide.
What we cannot do is arrange care for an adult who has capacity and does not want it. That is their decision, and pushing past it would be wrong. What we can do is help you work out how to raise it with them, and be ready when they are.
If you think someone is at immediate risk of harm, this is not the right route. Contact the adult safeguarding team at their local council, or call 999 in an emergency. Our safeguarding page explains how to raise a concern about anyone we support.
When people usually get in touch
Reasons people call us
- A parent is managing less well than they were, and nobody has said it out loud yet
- Someone came out of hospital and has not got back to where they were
- A family carer is exhausted and needs the pressure taken off
- A younger adult is ready to move out of the family home
- A placement elsewhere has broken down
Where a different route is better
- Immediate risk of harm — contact adult safeguarding or call 999
- A concern about care we provide — use our complaints route so it is logged properly
- Needing a council needs assessment — you can request that directly, free, whatever the income
- Housing or benefits problems — a local advice service will get further faster
If you are not sure which of these applies, call us anyway. We would rather spend ten minutes pointing you somewhere else than have you not ask.
After you contact us
- 1
We listen
You describe the situation. No forms and no commitment at this stage.
- 2
We are honest about fit
If Bellus is not the right answer we tell you, and we point you to what might be.
- 3
We agree how to approach it
Including how and when to involve the person themselves. Nothing happens behind their back.
- 4
A free assessment, if they agree
We meet them, understand what would help, and put it in writing.
- 5
You decide
No pressure, no follow-up campaign. CONFIRM CONTACT PREFERENCES AND OPT-OUT.
Questions people ask
1They do not think they need help. What now?
Very common. An assessment is often the thing that shifts it, because it is about what they want rather than what is being done to them. We can also just talk you through how to raise it.
2Can I do this without telling them?
You can talk to us. We will not visit or contact them without their knowledge unless there is a safeguarding reason to act, and we will be clear with you about that line.
3I am not a relative. Does that matter?
No. Neighbours, friends and colleagues contact us too.
4What will you do with what I tell you?
Handle it under UK GDPR and our privacy policy. We will not add you to a marketing list because you rang us about someone.
5Are you the same as a safeguarding referral?
No. Safeguarding concerns go to the local authority adult safeguarding team. Our safeguarding page has the detail.
Tell us what is worrying you
You do not need the right words or a clear ask. Describe what you have noticed and we will help you work out what to do with it.
Prefer email? [email protected]