An emergency duty social worker is on duty at all times out of hours to meet urgent needs that cannot wait until the next working day. When you call, an operator will pass details over to the duty social worker, who will return your call as soon as possible and always within an hour.

The social worker may give you advice and guidance on how to deal with the problem, refer the matter to the specialist service the next working day and/or arrange any immediate help necessary from Social Care Services or other agencies.

Duty social workers work closely with other agencies, including the out of hours services of Harrow Mental Health Services, part of CNWL NHS Foundation Trust., and deal mainly with:

• urgent difficulties with children and young people
• child protection matters
• older people who are at risk or who need immediate help
• concerns about a person with a physical or sensory disability
• urgent support for someone with mental ill-health or severe learning difficulties
• Mental Health Act Assessments
• vulnerable people in Police custody
• homelessness

Mental Health Services 24 hour crisis line:

• After 5pm and before 8am on weekdays. 24 hours on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
• Telephone: 0800 0234 650

Social services - Out of hours

• The emergency duty social worker is available weekends, bank holidays and between 9am - 5pm weekdays.
•  Telephone: 020 8424 0999