PEOPLE in Bradford are having problems getting social care support, a health watchdog has warned.

Healthwatch Bradford and District says many people do not know how where to start when they need social care support from Bradford Council.

It is carrying out research to understand what happens when people call the Access Point - the Council's telephone inquiry line for all adult social care.

The in-depth study began after Healthwatch manager Andrew Jones raised concerns about the line acting as a "gatekeeper" between people and the services they needed.

The watchdog now says it has been surprised by early findings which show that many people in the district do not even know what support is available or how to contact the Access Point.

When people do get through, their experiences are mixed, as new case studies show.

One man said he felt the service had put "barriers up too soon", while a woman who called to request respite care for her mother, but was unsuccessful, said she "wouldn't even bother ringing them another time".

A woman who called on behalf of an elderly neighbour who she hardly knew said she felt the service was "pushing everything back to me" to sort out.

Victoria Simmons, Healthwatch communications manager, said: "Members of the Healthwatch team have spoken to a number of local groups and attended meetings where we’ve asked if people know what the Access Point is and how to contact them.

"It’s interesting that many people don’t know, and this in itself is a potential problem and something we’ll feed back to the council along with the findings from our focus groups which take place next week."

Lyn Sowray, Bradford Council's assistant director for adult and community services, said: "We welcome Healthwatch undertaking this work and look forward to receiving their feedback so our services can be continually improved."

Healthwatch is hosting two meetings this Monday to hear directly from people about their experiences.

The first is at Abbeyfields, Grove House, Ilkley, from 10am to noon, and the second is at the Midland Hotel, Bradford, from 2pm to 4pm.

People can also complete a survey about their experience by visiting healthwatchbradford.co.uk or by phoning (01535) 665258.