This inspection took place on 26 August 2015 and was unannounced. This was the first inspection of the service since its new registration with the CQC.

229 Mitcham Lane is a small care home providing accommodation for four African/Caribbean men with long term mental health problems. It is located in Streatham, South-West London. It is close to local amenities and has good transport links. It is one of four homes run by the provider.

There was a registered manager at the service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People using the service live in a single bedroom and share lounge, kitchen and bathroom facilities.

People using the service told us they liked living at the home and were not restricted from leaving the service. They told us they were able to approach staff, including the registered manager if they had any problems. Although there were no structured activities in place, people said they were free to do the things they liked. They told us they helped staff to prepare meals and received their medicines on time. Regular resident meetings were held which were often chaired by people. People’s concerns and complaints were explored during one to one sessions and during resident meetings. The provider followed up on issues to ensure they were resolved to people/s satisfaction.

Staff told us they worked well together as a team and the registered manager was supportive. They received regular training and supervision. They demonstrated a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005. They were familiar with people’s needs.

Care records, including risk assessments and support plans were reviewed regularly which helped to ensure they contained accurate information. Support plans were discussed with people using the service and their input was considered during reviews.

Regular audits took place of medicines, financial records and the environment. The director carried out regular visits to the service which helped to ensure there was good oversight of the service and to ensure that improvements were made where required.