Merseyside Supported Living and Outreach

People lived in a variety of properties, which were in keeping with neighbouring properties and had access to local amenities and transport. Communal areas of people's homes were shared but all had their own bedrooms.

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

People were safeguarded from the risk of abuse and people told us they felt safe being supported by staff. One person said, "I feel safe, I get on well with the staff and I trust them." People also said that staff were always there when they needed them.

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.

People told us staff were kind, caring and listened to them. They also said that staff treated them with dignity and respect. Comments included, "I'd give them [staff] 11 out of 10. It's not a job for staff, they really care" and "They [the staff] respect me, staff treat me as an equal, they understand I have problems but respect me"

People were involved and listened to in the care planning and review process. Care plans were person-

centred and detailed. One person said, "Staff listen to me and support me how I want them to."

There was a positive culture amongst the staff at the service, which valued people as individuals and aimed to encourage and develop people's independence. People were able to give their feedback about their care and support in a variety of ways and there were good systems in place to monitor the quality of care being provided.