Cambridge supported living service retains ‘Good’ rating as key service marks fifth birthday

A supported living service in Cambridge has retained its ‘Good’ rating after one of its key locations celebrated its fifth birthday. 

Social Care Solutions Ltd (Cambridge), a group of five settings supporting 22 people, achieved its third consecutive fully compliant rating following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) between May 9 and June 12. 

Inspectors praised staff for treating people with respect and dignity, while those living at the services gave highly positive feedback, saying they could approach staff with any concerns and receive the support they needed. 

The report was published just days after Barber Gardens, in Chatteris, marked its fifth birthday with an afternoon full of fun and games, entirely co-produced by the people we support. Amy Gilbert, Managing Director of Lifeway’s Supported Living division, said: “We’re really pleased with this latest CQC report. This is the third time in a row Social Care Solutions Ltd (Cambridge) has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas since 2017 - which clearly shows the team’s commitment to consistently delivering high-quality care to the people we support. 

“Barber Gardens is one of the key locations under this registration and is a perfect example of what a Lifeways service looks like - completely person-centred and tailored to the people we support. 

“Happy fifth birthday Barber Gardens. I can’t wait to see what you achieve in the next five years.” Victoria Thornton, Service Manager at Barber Gardens, who has been with the service since it opened in 2020, thanked Lifeways for giving her team and the people they support the freedom to organise the event as they wished. 

“Lifeways trusted us with a lot of freedom for this event. It was all co-produced with the people we support - from the colour of the party hats to who they wanted as DJ,” she said. 

Victoria hailed the event as a huge success, with families of those we support, as well as individuals and staff from other services across Cambridgeshire, all attending. 

Over the afternoon, awards were handed out for categories including Best Smile, Best Singer, Kindest Heart, Nosiest Neighbour, and for staff: Most Trustworthy, Biggest Drama Queen, Happiest Staff Member, and Best Sense of Humour. “It was a lovely afternoon, with people supported across Cambridgeshire all coming together to celebrate, along with lots of staff and family members,” she continued. 

“We look forward to continuing to deliver high-quality care as part of the Lifeways family, and I can't wait to see the difference we can continue to make to people's lives over the next five years.” 

Registered Manager Victoria Lawrence added: “Barber Gardens’ fifth birthday party was amazing - everyone went above and beyond to ensure it was a success.

“Also, achieving a ‘Good’ rating in our latest CQC report is a massive testament to the hard work our staff put in across Cambridgeshire to ensure the people we support live their lives to the fullest.”Area Manager Linzi Selby also commented: “I am immensely proud of the team for achieving a ‘Good’ CQC rating.

“A lot of hard work has gone into showing we deliver a fantastic standard of care, and I am extremely thankful to the amazing support staff, team leaders and managers - well done all.”

Barber Gardens is a bright and spacious development featuring 15 one-bedroom apartments and three one-bedroom bungalows with ensuite wet rooms. 

Before officially opening, it was used as a rapid response accommodation unit to house vulnerable people during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council. 

Read the full CQC report here.