The Brambles Apartments

Updated 21 July 2026

Dates of assessment: 28 July to 30 July 2026. The Bramble Apartments is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 7 people with a learning disability and other complex health needs. At the time of the assessment 7 people were living at the service.
We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities most people take for granted. We found people received care and support in accordance with this guidance.
This provider was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of ‘Right support, right care, right culture’.
The assessment was carried out in line with CQC’s assessment priorities.
People received exceptionally kind, compassionate and person-centred care from staff who knew them extremely well and consistently treated them with dignity, respect and empathy. Feedback from people, relatives and professionals was overwhelmingly positive about the caring culture and high-quality support provided. Staff understood people’s histories, preferences and aspirations and used this knowledge to deliver highly personalised care which promoted wellbeing, independence and positive outcomes.
The provider supplied appropriate, accurate and up-to-date information in formats tailored to individual needs. People were supported to get out and about in the local community. Members of staff supported people to engage in a range of different activities of their choosing. People were supported to plan for important life changes, so they could have enough time to make informed decisions about their future, including at the end of their life.
The service demonstrated a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Staff understood and responded to people’s cultural, religious and communication needs. People were supported to maintain control over their lives, and to make meaningful choices. Staff used creative and personalised approaches to reduce distress, increase confidence and provide people with purpose and reassurance.
There was a highly positive, open and inclusive culture throughout the service. Leaders were visible, approachable and supportive, and promoted the values of empowerment, individuality and respect. Staff felt valued, listened to and involved in decision making. The provider actively supported staff wellbeing, development and progression, which had created a skilled, motivated and stable workforce and promoted continuity of care.
The provider also worked effectively with relatives, professionals and the local community to improve outcomes and ensure people remained connected to meaningful activities and relationships.

Updated 21 July 2026

People and relatives were resoundingly positive about the quality of care at The Bramble Apartments.

Not all people were able to directly tell us about their care experience and for these people we observed the interactions between people and staff. This approach showed people were included and listened to and staff consistently interacted positively with them. People appeared to be happy and smiling and gave a thumbs up when asked if they liked living at The Bramble Apartments. Another person was able to tell us that it was “good” and they “liked living here”.

As a result of the support people received, they had experienced positive outcomes. People had been supported to increase their independence and follow their favoured interests. For example, one person regularly attended Comic Cons, another enjoyed visits to museums and without exception families told us that people were leading a “fuller and had a good quality life” since being at The Bramble Apartments.

Relatives told us their family member felt safe, and they trusted staff, and we saw how people’s quality of life had improved. Relatives told us, “I am 99.9% sure [person] wouldn't get anywhere better,” and "this is a safe place." Another relative told us, “The Brambles is really nice, [person] has been there just over a year and has completely changed since being there, staff treat [them] really well and respect [them], they are more like a friend, it is really safe.”

Relatives were welcome to visit at any time and told us that staff kept them updated. Comments included, “They will send regular pictures and messages, it helps us still to be involved,” and “Staff are really good at communicating with us, staff send updates and photos at least once a week or more.”