Adult social care services have reported a 'phenomenal' rise in requests for help from vulnerable and older people, a survey has found today.

The survey of social services directors in England found almost seven in 10 reported a growing demand for help with mental health issues.

Nearly six out of 10 said more people with care and support needs were seeking help to escape domestic violence or other abuse.

President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), Stephen Chandler, said: 'Some of the numbers we are seeing are phenomenal.

'Our findings demonstrate very starkly that the crisis in social care is not just a crisis in the way we support older people.

'Half our spending is on help for adults of working age.'