Watchdog's praise for outstanding social care provider in borough

The provider, which runs in partnership with Compassion in Action and is based in Leigh, supports residents with learning or physical disabilities, autism and other mental health needs.

The service users are supported to live independently in their own accommodation, whether flats or small houses.

The CQC said the service had improved clients’ quality of life and described how staff went “above and beyond” in their work.

The glowing report and verdict of Outstanding has delighted the team working at the provider.

Manager Keeleigh Simpson said: “This is everything that we have been working towards. It’s nice to have the recognition for the hard work that the staff do day in day out.

“It’s a reflection of everything they put into their jobs and achieve with the clients.

“I’m so proud of the company for its guidance and support and both the staff team and the clients.

“It’s a real pleasure to work for Cherish UK and do this job making people’s lives better every single day.”

The inspection is listed on the CQC’s website under the name Duva Mews, which is where the head office is registered.

However, Ms Simpson said this is just one of 10 services Cherish UK Supported Living runs and the inspection covered the entire provision.

Inspectors from the watchdog were around for four days, speaking to employees and clients, observing the work there and visiting four separate locations.

The CQC awarded the provider outstanding ratings for having a responsive and well-led service, with the provider’s safety, effectiveness and caring getting good ratings.

Overall, that was enough to secure the top mark.

The CQC said best-practice guidance was followed and the correct culture was in place.

It was also impressed by how Cherish UK Supported Living enabled service users to make their own choices about what they wanted to do.

The report said: “Everyone involved in the running of the service exuded passion for delivering care that was person-centred and gave people a meaningful life. Staff went above and beyond to provide people with positive outcomes and experiences.

“People’s lives had greatly improved due to the consistent support they received from staff.

“Achieving desired outcomes, supporting people to learn new skills and live more independently and providing truly individualised care and support was central to care planning and delivery.

“It was evident the values held by staff had been cascaded down from the provider and registered manager who showed great passion for making a difference to people’s lives.

“People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.”

Staff training was praised in the report and it was clear people felt safe at Cherish UK, the CQC said.

The watchdog also heard from a number of clients and their families, who spoke highly of the employees and the service.

To read the full report, visit www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-6572246590