Archived: Home and Community Support Service Also known as Community Care Services

Young people told us that they were happy with the service saying "I choose the activity I do", "I do what I want", "it's good to do things with someone else", "I enjoy going shopping" and "I go swimming, I like it". Young people said that support workers listened to them, spoke with them "nicely", called them by their name, did what they wanted and needed and respected their wishes and choices. They also said that all of these were important to them and made the service 'right' for them.

Relatives said "it is a good service", "workers are responsive to young people", "it's good for my child to go out with other people", "the service gives my child different opportunities and experiences", "it allows me time to be with my other children" and "it gives me a break".

Support workers told us that they had the training and support they needed to carry out their role. Workers said "I really enjoy the work", saying that they were happy to be working for Home and Community Support because the service was important to both children and their families and because what they did made a difference.

We saw the support workers and staff who managed and worked for the service were dedicated and put in extra effort to make sure things worked well for children and young people and that the services provided were suitable, appropriate and met the individual's needs.

Young people told us that they valued the time they spent with their support worker saying "I go out and do things I like", "I feel safe when I am out with my worker" and "I am involved in making decisions".

"We are extremely happy with the service", "I don't know what I'd do without it", "fantastic", "life changing", "it gives me time for me or to do things with our other children while my child is doing something they like with their support worker" and "not having to repeat our story to all staff has been very useful" were some of the comments from parents and carers about the service.

Young people said they felt safe and parents said they had no worries or concerns when their child went out with their support worker. Parents and carers said reviews took place and young people confirmed that they were involved in making decisions. Staff said they had the information they needed to provide appropriate support to children and young people. We saw agreements contained clear details of individual's support needs for staff.

Young people and their parents said they were asked their views on the services provided and felt listened to.