In her recent article for LabourList, Access Social Care CEO Kari Gerstheimer argues that the debate around immigration and social care cannot ignore the reality of the workforce crisis facing the sector.

A member organisation contacted Access Social Care for general guidance regarding a person they support, who had been hospitalised following a significant deterioration in their wellbeing.

"Until we stop measuring success by how many people we can exclude, we'll never build the system people deserve."

Our CEO and Founder, Kari Gerstheimer has written a piece for Politics.co.uk in response to Andy Burnham’s recent comments on social care funding.

Our client, a disabled person with significant longstanding care and support needs, faced an urgent reduction in his care package from 24 hour support to just 4 hours per day.

Our Community Hubs exist to make social care law and rights real for communities, especially for people who face the biggest barriers to getting support. Through outreach, training, casework, and partnership working, the Croydon Hub supports residents, carers and frontline professionals, and uses what we learn to influence better practice across the system. 

In December 2025, our legal team concluded a case supporting Sara, a young woman who sustained a traumatic brain injury at the age of 16 and has since been left with complex health needs, including profound communication challenges. Sara is unable to communicate through speech, writing, or gesture, and can only indicate “yes” or “no” through blinking, which significantly limits her ability to express needs and participate in conversations. 

Following an intensive three-day hearing covering all three government departments’ appeals, the cases have been adjourned. The First Tier Information Rights Tribunal has requested additional evidence from two government departments. The hearings will be relisted for further evidence which may happen from the New Year onwards. We remain keen to progress these cases to achieve greater transparency on the vital decision making processes that determine social care funding.

Last week we enjoyed meeting people who draw on social care, who are supported by Croydon Mencap.  

We also welcomed James Mackie from the Casey Commission who was given the opportunity to meet people who are supported through social care and have direct experience of the current system.

In her latest article for the MJ our CEO, Kari Gerstheimer highlights ASC's radical approach to data.

Southend Council is refunding £2.3 million after overcharging 586 people care due to a software error dating back to 2018. At Access Social Care, we welcome the refunds but urge councils to audit their systems and ensure people have access to independent advice to protect their benefits and rights.

Access Social Care are setting out to address the lack of new practitioners coming into Community Care legal practice with opportunities for law students to learn about this area of law and gain real life experience.