Emergency out of hours social work service

Our emergency social work service responds in crisis situations at weekends and on bank holidays and after 5pm on weekdays.

 

Contact

  • for emergency social care relating to adults including older people and people with disabilities call 020 8356 8855
  • for mental health services contact the City and Hackney 24 hour mental health crisis line on 020 8432 8020
  • for emergency social work services for children (aged 0-18 years), please call 020 8356 2710

If the social worker is unavailable, you will be able to leave a message.

Hours

  • Monday to Friday, 5pm to 9am
  • 24 hours at weekends and on bank holidays

What does the service deal with?

Hackney and City of London residents’ non-medical emergency social care needs, such as:

  • emergency mental health needs, including assessments
  • welfare needs of vulnerable people in custody
  • emergency needs assessments for older people and people with physical and learning disabilities
  • child protection issues, including homeless children and young people within the requirement of the 1989 Children’s Act, and urgent needs assessment
  • information and advice

What can you expect?

  • a response to, and action concerning your referral within two hours – although 85% of all referrals are dealt with in one hour
  • professional response to your situation
  • appropriate action

Who can access the service?

Anyone in Hackney or the City of London.

Page updated on: 8 September 2023

Emergency Out of Hours Social Work Service

Opening times

  • Mon to Fri: 5pm - 9am
  • 24 hours at weekends and Bank Holidays.
  • The service operates from 5pm and only deals with issues that arise after 5pm.

Notes

*Please note that there is only one officer on duty at a time. In the absence of a social worker please leave your phone number and other essential details on the answering machine and you will be re-contacted as soon as possible.