To provide a high quality, professional emergency social work service to individuals and families and their carers across Northern Ireland, who require an emergency referral to social services, homelessness services (NIHE) or to the Social Security Agency outside normal working hours.

The Regional Emergency Social Work Service is not an extension of the full range of services available during the working day; it is specifically for situations which are of an emergency nature, including undertaking the Trusts‟ statutory responsibilities under mental health, child care and welfare legislation. The Regional Emergency Social Work Service will respond if someone's safety and/or welfare is at serious risk and the situation cannot wait until 9.00am on the next working day for assistance and/ or support.

The following list of referrers can access this service by calling the telephone numbers during the access times listed:

• GP
• Trust Consultant
• Health Care Professionals