About Helen

I'm Helen Lamb, a Registered Independent Social Worker based in Felixstowe, Suffolk. I'm registered with Social Work England (SW10278).

I have worked in adult social care for over 35 years - as a carer and support worker before I qualified, and across several local authorities since 2010. Most of my work has been with older adults and with people with learning disabilities, alongside their families and the people caring for them. I started Practical Life Support & Advocacy to be the person people can come to when they are not sure where to start, or who to ask. The decisions that come with later life are significant ones: choosing a care home, putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, claiming Attendance Allowance, finding equipment and technology you can rely on, registering a death. They matter, they are rarely simple, and most people face them without knowing who to turn to. I am here so that you do not have to.

I work independently, which means I'm not attached to a local authority or a care agency. I work only for you.

Helen Lamb, Independent Social Worker

My registration

Social Work England

Social Work England

Registration SW10278

The regulator for social workers in England

BASW

BASW

Registered member

The British Association of Social Workers

ICO

Registered

The Information Commissioner's Office, for the safe handling of personal information

You can check my Social Work England registration on their website.

How I work

I take things at your pace. I do not rush, and I do not use jargon. I will explain what I am doing and why, and I will always check that you are happy before I act on your behalf.

Why I started this

Vurda, Helen's mother
In memory of Vurda

In 2010, I qualified as a Social Worker, and over the years, I have had the privilege of working with diverse communities across varies local authorities—ranging from front line community, older people's teams to learning disabilities/Autism services, and safeguarding hubs. Each of these experiences has deepened my commitment to supporting individuals in a meaningful way. In the past few years, I have been inspired to create my own business, driven by a desire to offer compassionate and personalised support to older adults in our local community. I am aware how difficult it can be to access services and some individuals are reluctant to have contact with Adult Social Care or just do not know how or who to make contact with services. This journey took on even greater significance earlier this year when I suddenly lost my Mum. Her passing was a profound moment that made me realise it was time to take the leap and start this new chapter. My aim is to provide the kind of care and advocacy that helps older people feel supported, respected and connected; the type of support I would wish for my loved ones if needed. In addition to my professional experience, I have also supported a close family member through end-of-life care when they were battling cancer. This personal journey gave me a deep understanding of how challenging, emotional and financially impactful the caring role can be on families and how difficult it can be to access practical advice and support. Hence, the beginning of Practical Life Support and Advocacy. In loving memory of my Mum, Vurda.

I would be glad to have a chat.

The first step is a free, no-obligation phone call, about five minutes. No pressure.

Call for a free, no-obligation chat07926 459 559