We inspected the HF Trust - Newcastle DCA office on 16 and 18 May 2018. The inspection was announced, as we gave the provider eight days notice to arrange for us to meet with people. During our inspection visit on 18 May 2018, we visited people in their homes. Following the visits we requested additional information from the provider, this inspection activity concluded on 25 May 2018.

This was the first time we inspected the service, which was registered with CQC in April 2017.

HF Trust - Newcastle DCA provides care and support to people with learning disabilities living in 'supported living' settings, so that they can live in their own home as independently as possible. People's care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.

Not everyone using the service receives regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with 'personal care'; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also take into account any wider social care provided. At the time of this inspection, the service provided personal care to 45 people.

People using the service lived in ordinary flats and houses across Newcastle and North Tyneside either by themselves or with other people in houses with shared toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities.

HF Trust - Newcastle DCA was developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

Four registered managers were 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.

The service was exceptionally individualised and person-centred. People were supported to live full and enriched lives. The provider supported people to be active members of their local community. People and their skills were valued. The provider employed people who used the service in a paid capacity. People were supported to secure employment and volunteer roles within the community. Staff had helped people to find roles which matched their interests. Staff celebrated people’s achievements and displayed passion when talking about the goals people had worked towards.

Staff went ‘the extra mile’ to enable people to live fulfilling lives. Staff had shown initiative and dedication in arranging for dance classes to be held in one person’s town so they could enjoy their hobby more frequently. Staff had applied to the provider's fundraising department for a grant to purchase an innovative communication system for one person, and a bicycle for staff to enable another person to pursue their passion for cycling.

People were as independent as they could be. A positive approach to risks enabled people to live more fulfilled lives. The reduction of staff input to people’s individual care was carefully planned. Accidents and incidents had been monitored and measures put in place to reduce the likelihood of them reoccurring.

People told us they liked the staff. Relatives told us the service was safe. During our observations we saw people looked comfortable with staff. Staff understood their responsibilities in safeguarding people from abuse.

Some people who used the service, at times, displayed behaviours which could pose a risk to themselves or others. Support plans communicated known triggers, and how staff should support people to reduce the likelihood of people feeling anxious or agitated.

People's medicines were we