Chalmers Court Housing Support Service in Ayr has received fresh praise from the Care Inspectorate after a new inspection. The service, based on Charlotte Street, was graded 'very good' across four quality indicators following an unannounced inspection in early October, with the results now published.
Support and Outcomes Recognised
Among the key messages, the Care Inspectorate said supported people experienced "compassionate, relationship-based support" that helped them "achieve outcomes" important to them. The service also demonstrated a "strong commitment" to promoting "independence, wellbeing and successful outcomes."
Positive relationships extended beyond moving on, demonstrating the "lasting impact" of support. Leaders maintained "effective oversight" and promoted a culture of "openness, learning and continuous improvement." Staff worked "effectively" together and with partner agencies to provide "co-ordinated, responsive support."
Person-Centred Planning
Assessment and planning arrangements were "person-centred," with supported people "actively involved" in shaping their support and future goals. The report noted a "nurturing, relationship-based culture" where staff were invested in supported people's success and celebrated achievements, however large or small.
An extract from the Care Inspectorate report said: "Supported people's aspirations and what mattered most to them were recognised within planning and support arrangements. Records demonstrated that outcomes extended beyond accommodation and included family relationships, caring responsibilities, personal identity and future ambitions."
Service Details and Staff Training
Chalmers Court provides accommodation and housing support for up to 11 adults who have been assessed as homeless. At the time of inspection, the service operated at full occupancy. The service is provided by Blue Triangle (Glasgow) Housing Association Ltd.
The report added: "The service demonstrated a strong commitment to workforce development, providing staff with a wide range of training opportunities, including trauma-informed practice, mental health, suicide prevention and substance use awareness."
Lian Highet, area manager at Blue Triangle, said: "We're delighted with these inspection results and incredibly proud of our team. The report reflects the compassion, commitment and professionalism they bring to their work every day, and the difference that makes to the people we support."
She added: "What makes me proudest is seeing the positive relationships that have been built, with people continuing to stay in touch long after moving on from the service. That says everything about the trust and connection our staff work hard to create."
Highet noted that the results were recently celebrated with an open day at Chalmers Court, where people attended throughout the day for food, cake and conversation. The service was graded 'very good' in the quality indicators relating to leadership, supporting people's wellbeing, staff team and planned care and support.
