Hundreds receive support from Norfolk County Council's emergency team over Christmas period

Social workers in Norfolk had a busy Christmas and New Year supporting residents after receiving 546 calls between 24 December and 5 January 2025. Of these, 228 incidents occurred from Christmas Eve to the morning of 29 December, and 318 from New Year's Eve to 9am on 5 January. 

Last year, social workers received 441 calls between 24 December and 1 January 2025. 112 of these which were adult social care emergencies and 329 for children social care emergencies. 

The council's Emergency Duty Team helps respond to out of hours social care emergencies and was available 24/7 over the holiday period. The team is a small, dedicated service intended to provide a service to both adults and children at risk of immediate harm or those with care needs that cannot safely wait until the next working day. 

County Council Leader, Councillor Kay Mason Billig, praised the dedication of the emergency duty team, saying: "Throughout the Christmas period of 2025, our emergency duty team went above and beyond to support hundreds of residents. Their commitment ensured that vital services remained accessible to those most vulnerable and in need of care." 

Children's social care emergencies included urgent safeguarding cases for children at risk and family support. Staff worked with families, professionals, and resources like residential crisis outreach colleagues and police to implement safety plans and protect vulnerable children and young people. 

Adult social care emergencies involved providing urgent care packages for people at home, especially for without alternative support due to a carer's illness. The team also handled Mental Health Act assessments for individuals with acute mental health issues and working with partners such as police, mental health trusts, and health professionals for timely interventions.