PEOPLE in Wyre Forest wanting to get in touch with the county’s adult and children’s social services, will be able to contact them directly thanks to a new range of phone numbers on offer.

The new numbers will give members of the public the ability to contact the department more directly as the old number which used to be shared between various services is phased out, to be replaced by a new more specific number.

There will also be a separate number for people to call if they wish to discuss concerns over a child or young person, and both numbers aim to provide a point of contact for safeguarding concerns about adults and children.

Cllr Sheila Blagg, cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care at Worcestershire County Council, said: "To provide more direct access to adult and children's social care services the council is phasing out the 0845 6072000 number which has been shared by these services over the past 10 years. From now on callers will be able to directly access adult social care services on 01905 768053 or through the council's new web service Your Life, Your Choice.

"The existing 0845 607 2000 number will continue to be available until the end of March 2016 while we make sure that everyone is made aware of the new contact arrangements."

People are also being asked to use a new council website Your Life, Your Choice, at ylyc.worcestershire.gov.uk which is full of information and advice about how people can stay well and plan for their long-term future, with information about support available in local communities and the different kinds of care services on offer for older people, and adults with disabilities.

The separate number for people to call with concerns over a child or young person, is 01905 822666.