Physio First • Social Care Community
Exploring physiotherapy in social care?
Whether you support care providers, work within social care or are considering a homecare business, you don't have to explore the opportunities and challenges on your own.
Physio First is developing a Social Care Community with specialist input from physiotherapist Caroline Southgate. The aim is to bring practical resources, shared learning and professional connections together for members.
Already a Physio First member?
Access your resources
Log in to return to this page and access practical guidance, useful resources and relevant member support.
Not a member?
Find out what's included
Explore Physio First membership and the support available to independent physiotherapists.
After logging in, you will return to this page. Member-only resources are for eligible PF members; the proposed discussion group and webinar programme are not yet open.
Is this community for you?
There are three main ways physiotherapists may be involved in social care. Find the one that sounds most like you.
01
Working with care providers
You provide, or want to offer, physiotherapy in care homes, to homecare organisations or in other community settings.
02
Developing a homecare business
You're exploring how to start, develop or grow a homecare service, drawing on your physiotherapy background.
03
Already working in social care
You work for a care organisation and want to keep learning, share experience and connect with other physiotherapists.
Two ways to get support
There's a clear difference between what's available through Physio First and Caroline's separate one-to-one mentoring.
Part of eligible PF membership
Resources, learning and connections
- Member resources: introductory guidance, useful links, regulation signposting and planning questions.
- Existing PF support: relevant business, legal, HR, insurance and health and safety routes, subject to eligibility and scope.
- Proposed WhatsApp group: a place for shared questions and professional connections; joining arrangements to be confirmed.
- Proposed quarterly webinars: specialist learning with Caroline; topics and dates to be agreed.
After signing in, eligible members should return directly to this page to access the protected resource content. The group and webinars are in development.
Separate paid service • arranged directly
Personalised mentoring with Caroline
For physiotherapists who want tailored support with their own homecare business idea, decisions or challenges.
- Discuss your plans and questions with Caroline.
- Explore individual sessions or ongoing mentoring if appropriate.
- Agree availability, scope and fees directly with Caroline.
Mentoring is not included in PF membership. Caroline will confirm the fee and booking arrangements directly with you before you commit. Physio First does not arrange bookings or take payment.
Member-only • available after login
What will I find after logging in?
The resource hub is organised around the questions that bring you here, so you can move from reading to a practical next step.
Choose your route Care providers, homecare business or working in social care.
Understand regulation Relevant CQC guidance and regulators across the UK.
Research the sector Homecare Association and local care provider links.
Plan your next step Caroline's SOAP-based preparation questions.
Use PF support Business, legal, HR, insurance and safety signposting.
Follow developments News on the proposed group and webinars.
The curated PF resources and guidance are members-only. The regulators' and sector organisations' own websites remain publicly accessible.
Specialist expertise
Meet Caroline Southgate
Caroline Southgate MCSP is a physiotherapist with experience across the NHS, independent practice and running a homecare organisation. She is a Churchill Fellow whose work explores physiotherapy models in social care internationally, and she is a current Board member of the Homecare Association. Her experience is helping shape the proposed PF community.
Find out more about CarolineA stronger voice for physiotherapy in social care
Physiotherapists contribute to independence, prevention and rehabilitation in care and community settings. Bringing members together could help identify shared challenges, build connections and strengthen the voice of independent physiotherapy in this sector.
Interested in being part of the community?
Members can explore the resources through My Account. If you have a question or want to suggest a topic for the developing community, get in touch.