Since our last newsletter our Community Support and Housing Support services in Ayrshire welcomed the results of two unannounced visits from the Care Inspectorate. Between them, the services provide support to 27 adults and children with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs in North Ayrshire.

The inspections evaluated two key aspects of the services; “how well does the service support people’s wellbeing?” and “how good is the service’s leadership?” Both aspects were awarded a grade 5—very good. In awarding the grade fives the Care Inspectorate noted how well the Housing Support services care for people’s wellbeing.

“This service was excellent at ensuring that people received support that was filled with compassion, dignity and respect. Independence was promoted and there was a real focus on what people were able to do and experience. One person’s family member shared, ‘they have really turned her life around’ and ‘she is smiling again’. Staff were recognised for being flexible with their shift times to ensure people could attend activities with their friends. This ensured that people were able to maintain and develop their interests and friendships.”

Additionally the Care Inspectorate praised the leadership of the Community Support services and highlighted its strengths in supporting positive outcomes for the people they support.

“We found that staff received regular meaningful support and supervision which explored person-centred goals for people supported and staff were encouraged to reflect on their achievements and challenges. The service had a clear overview of this. This allowed staff to reflect on their practice and how it impacts on improving outcomes for people [they support].”

The Care Inspectorate provided an overall summary of the inspection, “People’s choice and independence was encouraged and they were able to take part in activities and new experiences. The service ensured people supported were at the centre of their care. People and their families were included.” 

Carly Nevsat, Branch Leader, expressed her pride in the report;

“Within Cornerstone Ayrshire, our aim is to provide the best care to individuals with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs by ensuring each individual is at the centre of every aspect of their support to achieve their goals and outcomes. Our staff teams are passionate, dedicated and hold a strong value base which was evidenced during our recent unannounced care inspection within our Housing Support and Community Support Services. Cornerstone’s values are at the core of everything we do within the branch which are to be caring, person-centred, professional and pioneering and I am extremely proud to be the Branch Lead for Ayrshire. A huge thank you to our Support Practitioners, Lead Practitioners, Service Leads and Branch admin team, as well as our external partners within North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership. Most importantly our sincere thanks to the people we support and their families who continue to support us as an organisation!” 

You can read the full reports by clicking here.