Snotty 'Social Work?'

So I looked up Norfolk County Council Adult Social Care and after finding how to get in touch; with some difficulty (directed to another page), I went onto that page. Got another button saying: “make support needs enquiry online.” Got another page with four buttons, one of which said “support needs.” On pressing that, got a form: “Support Needs Questionnaire & Enquiry.” After completing the form with difficulty (one of my support needs is help with essential Tremors, making typing problematic), I was contacted by a woman who said she was a “social worker” and, with an attitude I, as a northener, would describe as ‘snotty.’ she told me she would have to assess my “wants;” not my needs! I told her I was a retired social worker and had never come across such blatant rationing. After a lengthy debate centering on ‘needs’ and ‘wants,’ during which she was even more snotty, I told her to forget my application and switched off.

This statement is from the current working requirements of social workers. If these standards are not adhered to, social workers can be disciplined or even struck off, preventing them from practising anywhere. Professional Standards Guidance - ‘Social Work England’ Social workers embrace and promote the fundamental rights of all people. They recognise and respect the dignity and worth of everyone and support people to improve their life outcomes. To practise safely, it is essential for all social workers to know and comply with legal frameworks relevant to their work and obligations to protect and promote people’s rights. People should have access to the support and services they need in line with the Equality Act 2010, irrespective of aspects of their identity,...” Complaining (whistleblowing) about breaches of these professional standards protects others too. In spite of difficulties that could arise around evidence, I should have done just that. By not doing so, I failed others in need.