To receive a presentation on support in the community for people with a learning disability.

Presentation: OPTALIS

Vernon Nosal, Assistant Director for Statutory Services gave a presentation on the provisions available through Optalis for individuals with learning disabilities. It was outlined that the Community Team for people with learning disabilities was an integrated health and social care team that provided a holistic service response to approximately 320 people. Members were told that social care staff assessed individuals for eligibility as defined under the Care Act, these practitioners would then work with the individuals and their families to agree a plan to meet the needs of that person. Members were informed that currently 81 individuals live in residential care homes, 128 individuals live in supported living, 61 individuals were living within their family settings, 11 individuals were living independently with support, 5 individuals live in shared lives accommodation, 4 individuals were in placement at residential college and 12 individuals were in receipt of direct payments whilst living independently or within supported living accommodation. Member were told that this did not include figures for Continuing Health Care funded people or those individuals who received no funded support. Supported living offered greater security and control to individuals over their lives because they hold secure tenure with housing providers and care is provided by a different agency. The average cost of a residential care bed was estimated at £1598 and the average cost of a supported living placement was £846. Member were informed that RBWM and Optalis CTPLD had worked proactively with housing providers to build good quality flats which included, Ronald Young Court (8 flats), Shaw Court (11 flats), Park House (8 flats) and Catherine House (11 flats). The Panel were told that Housing Solutions was currently building Brill House for move on supported living accommodation for six people living in poor quality residential housing with five additional flats (totalling 11 flats). Members were then told of how CTPLD had helped a client who previously lived outside of the borough, but had moved to Windsor and had benefitted both socially and independently.

Presentation: Affinity Trust

Penny Lamb, Divisional Director (South) of Affinity Trust gave a presentation on the above titled item. Affinity Trust was set up in 1991 and was a values led registered charity. Over 1000 people had been supported across 35 local authority areas including Maidenhead. Affinity act as a specialist provider of support for people with learning disabilities and autism, who may also have disabilities or complex physical or mental health needs. The Panel were informed that Affinity helped individuals in supported accommodation, residential care, working with commissioners and landlords to source and develop bespoke properties and providing opportunities for inclusion, activities, employment and celebrations. Support was also provided to children and young people through transitional support when moving into supported living. Innovative positive behavioural support was provided through Bradford MDC and a social investment partner; intensive support for the child and their school; dedicated PBS psychology Lead; detailed functional assessments and payments by results on preventing admission to residential care. Specialist services in four local authority areas, 23 people were being supported to leave secure settings, a specialist support model had been developed by a consultant clinical psychologist. The Panel was told that both permanent and step through accommodation were provided as part of transforming care. Clients were matched to staff and it was noted that there were resilient staff teams and intensive transitional support was offered. The Panel was told that a positive behaviour support approach was used and had been embedded across the organisation through BILD accredited PROACT SCIPr-UK. This approach enabled support was in place to prevent behaviours with a more consistent and proactive stance. It was noted that there were pilots in 9 locations training through the Tizard Centre, Kent.

Presentation: Dimensions

It was highlighted that Dimensions were one of the country’s largest not for profit organisations that supported individuals with learning disabilities, autism, challenging behaviour and complex needs. The Panel was told that Dimensions had a focus on personalised support and helping individuals achieve greater choice and control. It was highlighted that outreach support and intensive support were provided and could be challenging to provide for those with complex health needs and profound multiple learning disabilities; families were included in the support provided. Members were told that each individual had a personalised support plan whilst living in supported living environments. The organisation felt that much of their work was led by their vision which was to have an inclusive society where all people had equal chances to live the life they choose. In order to deliver this, it was highlighted that the organisation expected ambition, courage, integrity, partnership and respect (5 core values). Currently supported living services and outreach support were available in Windsor and Maidenhead. Madeleine, a service support user gave a summary of the activities, personal achievements and support that she had received through Dimensions support. The Panel was informed that she had a positive experience with the services provided, supported living accommodation and felt more independent in her day to day life.