Health and Social Care

This section of the site is devoted to health and social care and while we are not responsible for any of these services, we've taken this opportuniy to provide information and advice about the range of services on offer to make it easier for you to decide what you need to do next.

Plus Bus and Community Car Scheme (external link) - Plus Bus is a door to door minibus service for those people who have mobility difficulties and cannot use public transport. The service is delivered by Ealing Community Transport and is funded by Chester City Council, Ellesmere Port & Neston Borough Council and Cheshire County Council.

The Chester District Community Car Scheme is for people who are without transport or who do not have access to public transport. They will carry out any journeys, except those normally carried out by the Ambulance or Social Services. The scheme is delivered by Cheshire Community Council and is funded by Chester City Council.

Link to Cheshire County Council Community Car Scheme (external link)

Community Toilet Scheme (internal link)  Chester has been able to extend the number of toilets available to the public and in particular to increase the awareness of fully accessible toilets and baby change facilities. The public can use the toilet facilities during the premises’ opening hours, purchase of goods or services is not required.

Environmental Health - Chester City Council's Environmental Health Section has a wide range of responsibilities including protecting and improving public health.

Welfare Advice (Benefits) – The City Council provides a home visiting service to older people with disabilities, providing general advice on all welfare benefits. Clients are means tested to find out if they are eligible for credits on council tax and rent. The City Council works in partnership with Age Concern to advise on Disability Living Allowance, and with the Pension Service to provide advice on Pension Credits. The City Council also gives “talks” to older people’s and community groups.

City Centre Access Guide (internal link) - A Chester City Centre Access Guide has been published by the City Council. The guide contains information on Disability Access Services such as Shopmobility, Plusbus, Community Car Scheme, DIAL House, public toilets and car parks. Also included are a map of the city centre and a map showing the wheelchair access points to The Rows. In addition a webpage has been created providing detailed access information on over 300 city centre buildings – (internal link )

Advice on DDA – Chester City Council has in partnership with DIAL House, produced a newsletter providing information about the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995. The newsletter advises service providers on how the DDA might affect their business and offers advice on the ‘reasonable’ steps that they can take to help meet their legal obligations under the requirements of the Act.

Healthy Living - So just how healthy are you? Not too bad?  Still play a bit of football now and again, but not as much as when you were younger?  Or no idea? This section of the site is designed to give you some brief pointers on how to look after yourself and, more importantly, to point you in the direction of some organisations who can help you out.

Housing (internal link) -  Chester City Council provide advice from home ownership, shared ownership, renting from a landlord to helplines of support organisations.

Domestic Violence - Domestic violence is one of the worst forms of abuse.  It can include physical assault, sexual abuse and verbal threats. It can also include more subtle attacks such as pressure tactics, constant breaking of trust, isolation, psychological games and harassment. Domestic abuse can affect partners in all types of relationships and can also involve violence between parents and children. If you are affected by domestic violence, please visit the linked web page for advice on who you can contact. 

For infomation on protecting vulnerable adults By Clicking Here.

Health Services - Details of local doctors, dentists, chemists, opticians and hospitals.

Social Services - Social Services in Cheshire are primarily the responsibility of Cheshire County Council but we've put together information about some of the more commonly requested areas. When pages have the Cheshire County Council logo in the corner you are advised to visit their webpages for more detailed information.

Support Groups - Details of just some of the many support groups available.

Smoking Cessation (external link) - This service is dedicated to providing safe, effective evidence based stop smoking support designed to suit all individual needs and to give you every chance of quitting for good. Whether this is your first attempt to quit or you have tried to give up before, they can offer professional advice in a way to suit you.

Wearpurple Arts (external link) - is run by Age Concern, based in Vale Royal, Cheshire. The project gives people over the age of 55 the opportunity to work with professional artists to develop skills and gain confidence in their creative abilities. Wearpurple believes that participation within the arts has a positive effect on peoples well being. The arts help to raise peoples self esteem, confidence and motivation and these experiences have wider reaching benefits in the everyday lives of the people involved.

Wearpurple Co-ordinator, Age Concern Cheshire, 314 Chester Road, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2AB. Please contact: 08456 182858 or 01606 880855 or by e-mail at wearpurple314@hotmail.com.

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