Making a referral to Empower Life is straightforward. We welcome referrals from individuals and families, social workers, community nurses, hospital discharge teams, commissioners, and other healthcare professionals. Whether you are enquiring for yourself or on behalf of someone else, our team is here to guide you through every step.
We understand that seeking support for the first time — or transitioning to a new provider — can feel daunting. That is why we make the referral process as simple, transparent, and human as possible. There are no lengthy forms to complete before speaking to someone. Just pick up the phone or send us an email and we will take it from there.
From your first call to the first day of support, our goal is to make the process feel manageable, reassuring, and entirely focused on the person at the centre of it.
Why the Referral Process Matters
The referral process is the gateway to support. It is the first step on the journey to living a more independent and fulfilling life. Getting it right is essential, because it sets the tone for everything that follows.
A good referral process is one that is accessible, transparent, and supportive. It should not be a barrier to accessing support. It should be the beginning of a positive and constructive relationship.
Who Can Make a Referral?
Referrals to Empower Life can be made by a wide range of people:
- Individuals — Anyone who believes they would benefit from supported living and wants to explore their options.
- Families and carers — Family members or carers who are supporting someone who may benefit from supported living.
- Social workers — Social workers who are supporting someone who may be eligible for supported living.
- Healthcare professionals — Doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
- Hospital discharge teams — Teams who are supporting someone to leave hospital and need a supported living placement.
- Commissioners — Commissioners who are looking for supported living placements for individuals.
- Other providers — Other care providers who are looking for a supported living placement for someone they are currently supporting.
How the Referral Process Works
The referral process at Empower Life is designed to be straightforward and stress-free. Here is what you can expect:
- Step 1: Contact us — By phone, email, or through the enquiry form on our website. We are available Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm. Urgent referrals are responded to on the same working day.
- Step 2: Initial conversation — We have an initial conversation to discuss the individual’s needs, preferences, and circumstances. This is an informal conversation designed to understand what you are looking for and whether we are the right fit.
- Step 3: Assessment — If we are the right fit, we conduct a full assessment. This involves meeting the individual, their family, and any professionals involved. The assessment is thorough but respectful, and it is designed to build a complete picture of the individual’s needs and preferences.
- Step 4: Support plan — We co-design a personalised support plan with the individual and their network. The support plan outlines the support that will be provided, how it will be delivered, and by whom.
- Step 5: Match and introduce — We match the individual with the right support worker and make a supported introduction. The individual meets the support worker before any support begins, and they have the opportunity to decide if it is a good fit.
- Step 6: Support begins — Support begins, and we remain available from day one. We review the support plan regularly to ensure it continues to meet the individual’s needs.
Urgent Referrals
If you need support urgently, we are here to help. We respond to urgent referrals on the same working day. This may include:
- Hospital discharge — Supporting someone to leave hospital and return to their own home.
- Crisis situations — Supporting someone who is experiencing a crisis and needs immediate support.
- Emergency placements — Supporting someone who needs an emergency placement due to a breakdown in existing support.
What Information to Have Ready
If you are making a referral, it can be helpful to have the following information ready:
- The individual’s name, date of birth, and contact details.
- A brief description of the individual’s needs and circumstances.
- The individual’s current support arrangements (if any).
- Any relevant medical information or assessments.
- The individual’s funding arrangements (if known).
- Your contact details and relationship to the individual.
What to Expect After a Referral
After you have made a referral, here is what you can expect:
- Acknowledgment — We will acknowledge your referral within one working day.
- Follow-up — We will follow up to gather any additional information we need.
- Assessment — We will arrange a full assessment at a time that suits you.
- Support plan — We will co-design a support plan with you and the individual.
- Match and introduce — We will match and introduce the support worker.
- Support begins — We will begin support and continue to be available.
Common Questions About Referrals
How long does the referral process take?
The length of the referral process depends on the individual’s needs and circumstances. For straightforward placements, it may take a few weeks. For more complex placements, it may take longer. We always work at a pace that is comfortable for the individual.
Can I refer myself?
Yes, you can refer yourself. You do not need a professional to refer you. If you think supported living could benefit you, we would love to hear from you.
Can someone refer on my behalf?
Yes, someone can refer on your behalf with your consent. This could be a family member, a carer, a social worker, or another professional.
Is there a cost for the referral?
No, there is no cost for the referral itself. If you go on to receive support from us, there may be a cost, but this depends on your funding arrangements.
What if I change my mind?
You can change your mind at any time. There is no obligation to proceed with support if you decide it is not right for you.
