This inspection took place on 2 and 3 August 2017 and was unannounced. This was the first inspection since the service was registered in December 2016.

A registered manager was in place. 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.

Downham Lodge has eight ensuite rooms and offers support for people between the ages of 16 and 65 who need support with their mental well-being. There were seven people living at the service.

People told us they were happy with the care and support they received and they could approach all staff about any concerns they may have.

The service was safe and there were appropriate safeguards in place to help protect the people who lived there. People were able to make choices about the way in which they were cared for and staff listened to them and knew their needs well. Staff had the training and support they needed.

There were enough staff to support people. Recruitment was safe and relevant checks had been completed before staff worked at the home.

People’s medicines were managed appropriately so they received them safely

Staff demonstrated a good knowledge of people’s care needs. Staff understood the provider’s safeguarding procedures and could explain how they would protect people if they had any concerns.

Arrangements were made for people to see their GP and other healthcare professionals when required. People’s healthcare needs were met and the registered manager and provider worked with health and social care professionals to access relevant services. The service was compliant with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

People participated in a range of different social activities and were supported to access the local community. They also participated in shopping for the home and their own needs. People were encouraged to budget for their meals and were given a weekly allowance.

Staff told us they enjoyed working in the home and spoke positively about the culture and management of the service. Staff told us that they were encouraged to openly discuss any issues and had been supported with promotion training opportunities within the service.

Staff confirmed they were able to raise issues and make suggestions about the way the service was provided. The registered manager and deputy manager provided good leadership and people using the service and staff told us the registered manager promoted high standards of care.

Relatives of people living at the home and other professionals were happy with the service. There was evidence that staff and managers at the home had been involved in reviewing and monitoring the quality of the service to drive improvement.