A micro-provider is a small, independent business offering paid help or support. Services vary between providers and may include companionship, shopping, household tasks or personal care.

WCN can provide information about local micro-providers and ways to contact them.

WCN’s role

What WCN does
We provide information and connections to independent micro-providers.

What you arrange directly
You or your lawful representative choose the provider, check their suitability, agree the support and costs, and manage the arrangement.

WCN does not deliver, arrange or manage care. We do not employ, approve, recommend, vet or guarantee providers. Participation in the network is not an endorsement.

If you need personal care
Personal care includes help with activities such as washing, dressing and using the toilet. Some individual micro-providers work under an exemption from Care Quality Commission registration, where they are contracted directly by the person or their lawful representative and work under that person’s direction and control.

This differs from a CQC-registered care service. You or your lawful representative must be willing and able to direct and manage the arrangement. WCN cannot take on that responsibility. If you need someone to manage your care, seek advice about other support options.

1. Read the information to understand whether this option suits your circumstances.

2. Request local provider information from WCN.

3. Contact providers yourself to discuss services, availability and prices.

4. Check and agree the arrangement directly with your chosen provider.

5. Manage and review your support, including what happens if the provider is unavailable.

Sending an enquiry requests information from WCN. It does not book care or create an agreement with a provider.

Prefer to phone? Call our helpline on 01749 467079, between 9am and 2pm. Our coordinator will aim to respond to your enquiry on the next working day.