How Professionals Can Refer with Confidence

A practical guide for healthcare professionals and referral partners on making effective referrals and understanding what to expect from Intri-Care’s support process.

Referring a person for care isn’t just a task—it’s a responsibility. Whether you’re a GP, a social worker, a school counsellor, or part of a hospital discharge team, the referrals you make can change lives. The right support, at the right time, can be the difference between crisis and recovery, isolation and connection, stagnation and growth.


At IntriCare, we know that professionals want to make safe, smart referrals. You want to be sure that the people in your care will be looked after holistically—with respect, compassion, and genuine expertise. But we also know that the referral process can feel vague or frustrating at times. Who qualifies? What support is available? How do you know if your referral will lead to real impact?


This article is for you. Whether you’re new to working with IntriCare or have referred to other services before, here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to referring with confidence—and what happens next once you do.


Why Choose IntriCare? A Quick Refresher


Before we dive into the “how,” let’s revisit the “why.” IntriCare is more than just a care provider. We deliver person-centred, values-driven care across multiple service areas, including:


  • Complex Care: For individuals with significant medical, behavioural, or social support needs
  • Youth Support: Tailored interventions to help young people re-engage with education, community, and personal development
  • Domiciliary Care: In-home support that prioritises dignity and independence
  • Mental Health and Social Isolation Services: Support focused on emotional resilience, community connection, and wellbeing


What makes us different? We lead with connection, consistency, and co-production—working with people, not just for them. And we ensure that you, as a professional referrer, are kept informed throughout the journey.


Step 1: Recognising a Good Fit for Referral


Not every individual needs the same type of care. But here are some key indicators that a referral to IntriCare could be beneficial:

  • Young person disengaging from school or community
  • Adult with complex medical needs struggling to manage at home
  • Caregiver burnout or family breakdown linked to unmet support needs
  • Client experiencing severe loneliness, anxiety, or loss of independence
  • Repeated hospital admissions with no continuity of care


We’re happy to have informal discussions before a referral is made—so if you’re unsure, give us a ring or send an email. We’d rather help you explore than have someone fall through the cracks.


Step 2: Understanding Our Referral Criteria


IntriCare works with both publicly funded and privately paying clients. Our support is designed for individuals who:

  • Require a person-centred support plan rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
  • Would benefit from ongoing, relationship-based care (not one-off interventions)
  • Are based in Merseyside or surrounding regions
  • Can be supported safely within a home, school, or community-based setting


We work with people across a wide range of ages and conditions—including autism, ADHD, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, mental health challenges, and more.


Step 3: Making the Referral


You can refer someone to IntriCare by:

  • Filling out our referral form on the website
  • Emailing us directly with background information
  • Calling to discuss the case, especially if it’s urgent or complex


We welcome referrals from:

  • GPs
  • Social workers
  • Hospital teams (e.g., discharge coordinators)
  • CAMHS and adult mental health professionals
  • Schools and youth services
  • Charities and third-sector organisations


Once the referral is received, we’ll confirm receipt and provide a named point of contact within 48 hours.


Step 4: Our Initial Response Process


Here’s what happens next:

  1. Triage: We review the referral to ensure we’re the right service. If not, we’ll signpost or help connect the person with another provider.
  2. Contact: We reach out to the individual or family directly (with consent), within 3 working days, to begin the conversation.
  3. Assessment: One of our experienced team members will carry out a strengths-based assessment. This may include a home visit, school meeting, or multi-agency review.
  4. Co-Production of a Care Plan: We don’t impose services—we design them collaboratively. The individual (and family, where appropriate) are involved in every decision.
  5. Start of Support: Once agreed, care begins promptly with clear goals, consistent workers, and regular reviews.


Throughout this process, you’ll be kept in the loop. We know how vital continuity and communication are.


Step 5: What You Can Expect from Us


When you refer someone to IntriCare, you’re not passing them off—you’re partnering with us. Here’s our commitment to you:

  • Transparency: You’ll receive updates on progress, concerns, and successes (with consent).
  • Flexibility: We adapt to individual needs, including crisis response and stepped care.
  • Stability: Our teams are trained, supervised, and consistent—so people don’t see a new face every week.
  • Values-Driven Care: We uphold dignity, choice, inclusion, and respect in every interaction.


If you need to escalate, query, or discuss any referral—you’ll always have a direct line to a service lead.


What Makes a Referral Strong?


To help us help you, please include:

  • Basic demographic and contact info
  • Summary of needs and current situation
  • Any relevant assessments or care plans
  • Risks, concerns, or behaviours to note
  • Cultural, communication, or accessibility needs


We’re not expecting a full report—but the more context we have, the better we can tailor our response.


Real-World Impact: What Referrers Say

“What stands out with IntriCare is the way they treat people—as people. They’re proactive, responsive, and they stay the course.” – Local Authority Social Worker
“Referring to IntriCare feels like handing someone over to family. I don’t have to chase, I don’t have to worry.” – CAMHS Case Coordinator

We don’t just want to tick boxes. We want to build bridges—with you, and with the people we’re all trying to support.


Final Thoughts: The Confidence Comes From Connection


Referring someone for care can feel like a leap into the unknown. But when you partner with a provider who’s clear, consistent, and person-focused, that leap becomes a step forward—for you and for the person you’re trying to help.


At IntriCare, our aim is simple: to make every referral count.


If you're unsure about anything—or just want to run a case past us—we're always open to conversation. You don’t have to navigate complex needs alone. Let’s collaborate, communicate, and care—together.

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