New initiative transforms care for people with complex learning disabilities and autism

The Leeds Small Supports Project has helped support and develop two small social care enterprises, Mae & Mitchell and Unique Support Solutions.

Together they have established and provided specialised and tailor-made local care for people with complex needs, enabling them to come out of hospital and, with support provided by the two small support enterprises, live safely within their local community.

The project was the result of a three-year partnership between Leeds City Council, the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), and a human rights charity, the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTI).

The work involved developing a programme of care which is more local and person -centred for people with complex needs.

A report on the project says it has brought about positive outcomes for the people supported and significantly reduced care costs by enabling people involved to be independent, with stable living environments.

Comments from those supported to come out of hospital praised the new approach. One said:

"My support worker really gets me. They’re not just doing a job, they care about what I want and who I am."

 Another added: 

"We have a laugh together and that makes it easier to ask for help when I need it. It feels like a partnership, not a service."

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council Executive Member for adult social care, Active Leeds and culture, said:

“This project demonstrates how innovative approaches can really transform care for vulnerable people, particularly those with complex needs and autism. It shows how strong partnerships and creative ideas can have a lasting impact and make a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Helen Lewis, Director of Pathway Integration for NHS West Yorkshire integrated Care Board (Leeds), said:

"This project shows how effective collaboration and partnership is improving health and care services in Leeds. These small supports that are being put in place through the partnership between the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board in Leeds, the council, the NDTi, and social enterprises are having a huge impact on some of the most vulnerable people in Leeds and are empowering them to live safely and more independently in their communities.  They are also better value for the NHS and local authorities than traditional care models.”

Nic Crosby, Small Supports Programme Lead from the NDTi said:

“The hard work of the team in Leeds has delivered such brilliant results; Small Support organisations are making real differences to people’s lives in Leeds and elsewhere.  We will be continuing to support other areas do just what Leeds City Council and the ICB have done and give people a chance to live their best life.”

Both the council and the ICB were part of a national programme where NDTi is funded by the NHS to develop bespoke support organisations working within different areas across England providing intensive round-the clock support to people.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

A video about the project, published by NHS England is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcGJ_UW-7dg

A full evaluation report on the Small Supports pilot project is available here: Evaluation of the Small Supports Pilot in Leeds 2022-2024 - NDTi

Picture - Debbie Walton from the NHS West Yorkshire ICB and Mark, an individual supported by USS Ltd.