- Homecare service
The Brocken
Assessment report published 9 September 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of assessment:17 June to 23 July 2026.This was the first assessment of Brighter Days Companions (also known as The Brocken)since its registration with the Care Quality Commission on17 March 2022.The Brocken is an agency providing support and care to people in their own homes in and around the North Cheshire area. At the time of the assessment, it was supporting 16 people with their personal care.
As part of the assessment, we spoke with people and their relatives, staff, leaders and reviewed records in relation to people’s support. We looked at all quality standards for this assessment. We did not identify any significant concerns about the support people received.
Feedback from people ,relatives and staff were positive about the values of the registered provider.
Most people reported they received timely support; however, some people had experienced some occasions where calls had been delayed, and they had not always been given prior notice. The registered manager that arrangements were in place to inform people if long-term delays were possible.
People were provided with safe support. The provider analysed incidents and reflected on the quality of the support provided. Staff received the training and support they needed to perform their role. Support needs were assessed prior to people using the service and this assessment was ongoing. There was an emphasis placed on person-centred care and included the views of people. People were able to maintain their independence and influence the support they provided. Links were maintained between the management team, people who used the service and their families. Governance systems enabled risks to be identified and to drive future improvement.
Care records were regularly updated. They reflected people’s current needs and risks, enabling staff to deliver safe and person-centred care. Systems for assessing needs, managing risks, and responding to changes in health were in place.
Staff numbers matched with people’s needs. Concerns were identified and acted upon.
Information was accurate and shared effectively, which meant care was coordinated and responsive to people’s changing needs. Partnership working with external agencies was effective.
Leadership and governance were effective. Systems provided leaders with a clear oversight of risk and performance, and there was evidence of learning, improvement, and sustainable change.
People's experience of this service
People were satisfied with the support they received. They told us they felt safe with the staff team ,and they were treated kindly and in a caring manner. They told us, “They are lovely and caring", "If I had a concern, they would sort it out", "I feel involved in my care” and “They are a lovely little service.” People felt staff generally had the skills and training to perform their role and meet their needs. They told us when they needed assistance with medication administration for example, this was always done and was never missed. They considered the registered manager/provider to be approachable, and positive relationships had been established. Some people had experienced issues with some calls having been late with no explanations or prior notice given. This was fed back to the registered manager as part of this assessment.