About the service: Sanctuary Supported Living (Tees Valley Care Services) provides care and support for up to 21 people living in two ‘supported living’ settings. People who used the service lived with mental health conditions and needed support to regain the skills and confidence to live independently. At the time of this inspection one person was using the service who needed assistance with their personal care.

People’s experience of using this service: The person told us they were very happy with the supported they received. Staff had worked very closely and sensitively with the person to support them experience a wider range of activities and improve their daily living skills. The person told us that the staff were friendly and made them feel at ease. Prior to moving to the service the staff had spent time with the person and their previous care team to find out how to best support them.

Staff were well trained and knowledgeable about their roles and the care people needed. Staff received a wide range of training including how to work with people living with mental health conditions.

Systems and processes were in place and well monitored so the service was safe and run well. No one needed staff support to look after their medicines but staff were trained and regularly assessed to make sure they could do this if necessary. The registered manager and staff had robust risk assessments and acted appropriately to mitigate any identified risks.

People's rights were upheld. The person was given choice and supported to make decisions. All the people who used the service had the capacity to make decisions but would ask staff for advice around making wise choices. The staff enabled people to review decisions they made about taking risks and were needed supported individuals to make changes to their response to risk.

Staff effectively reported any safeguarding matters. The registered manager thoroughly investigated any concerns, and resolved these matters. All incidents were critically analysed, lessons were learnt and embedded into practice.

The service was well run. Staff and people's views were gathered and used to inform developments at the service. The registered manager made sure that the service was delivering a good service.

Rating at last inspection: This was the first time the service was inspected.

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.