Clarify the capacity decision in Gillingham, Kent, distinguish Medway public care, carer and advocacy routes, and prepare an informed independent assessment enquiry.
Start with the decision, not a diagnosis
If you are considering a mental capacity assessment in Gillingham, Kent, first identify the decision, when it needs to be made and who needs the evidence. A care-needs assessment, support from an advocate and an independently instructed capacity report have different purposes. The Mental Capacity Act requires support for the person to make the decision and does not equate an unwise choice with incapacity.
This page covers Gillingham in Kent/Medway. Gillingham in Dorset and places with the same name elsewhere have different public-service routes. Give the actual postcode and explain the person's circumstances; this page does not decide which council is responsible for an individual.
These council and advocacy services are separate from Nellie Supports. Use the linked service to check current arrangements, the relevant area and eligibility before sharing personal information.
Medway adult care and support
A council care-needs assessment is separate from a privately instructed capacity report. For Medway adult social care assessment enquiries, residents can call 01634 334 466 using the council's published route. Professionals must use its online professional-referral route; Medway does not accept professional referrals by phone or email. Follow the linked council page to the correct route before sending personal information.
Source: Medway Council: adult social care assessment. Check current arrangements and the relevant referral route.
If caring is affecting your life, Medway's carer-assessment route considers your own support needs. The person you care for need not already receive council services, and you do not need their permission to ask for this assessment. Young carers use a separate process.
Source: Medway Council: carer assessment. Check current arrangements and the relevant referral route.
Libra Partnership publishes Medway advocacy services, including independent mental capacity advocacy, and links to an online referral route. Check the relevant advocacy type, eligibility and who can refer with the provider. Advocacy support is separate from commissioning a private assessment report.
Source: Libra Partnership: Medway advocacy. Check current arrangements and the relevant referral route.
Write down the decision in the person’s own terms and what help makes information easier to understand. Discuss communication, hearing or sight needs, fatigue, an interpreter, privacy and who the person wants involved. If a visit is proposed, agree the setting and permission to use it before making arrangements. Do not assume a home, hospital or care-home appointment, remote format or travel charge has been agreed.
Agree the question, intended recipient and relevant date before an assessment is instructed. A report about capacity does not itself award council support, decide NHS funding, appoint a deputy or grant legal authority to act. Will-making, litigation and Court of Protection instructions require their own specialist scope and review.
Discuss the question before sharing detailed records
For an independent assessment enquiry, describe the decision and intended use of the report. Ask about suitability, the assessor’s relevant expertise, practical arrangements, fees and the proposed report timetable before proceeding. Public assessment and advocacy routes remain separate options; choosing to enquire about private help does not replace them.
Common questions
Does this page cover Gillingham in Dorset?
No. This page covers Gillingham in Kent/Medway. Use the person's actual postcode when checking public support or discussing an independent assessment; do not use Medway links for another Gillingham.
Can a professional use the resident phone route to refer to Medway adult social care?
Medway directs professionals to its online referral route and says it does not accept professional referrals by phone or email. Use the linked council guidance to reach that route. An enquiry to Nellie Supports does not submit a council referral.
What information should I provide at the first enquiry?
Describe the decision, the broad area, your relationship to the person, any deadline and communication or accessibility needs. Keep detailed health, financial and legal documents out of an ordinary initial enquiry; ask how information should be shared securely.
Ask about an independent assessment
Describe the decision and intended use of the report, then agree suitability and arrangements with the team.
