Turning Point – Tameside provides support to people with learning disabilities. It is part of the national organisation ‘Turning Point’, a social care organisation which provides services for people with complex needs, including those affected by drug and alcohol misuse, mental health problems and those with a learning disability.

Turning Point – Tameside provides care and support to people living in 'supported living' settings, so that they can live in their own homes as independently as possible. People's care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate the premises used for supported living. This inspection looked at people’s personal care and support. At the time of the inspection the service was supporting 34 people who lived in seven different properties in and around the Denton area of Tameside. One of the properties is a block of 17 one-bedroom flats, the other six are shared houses with individual bedrooms and shared communal areas. All properties have staff on site 24 hours a day.

The service has been developed 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. By following these principles, services can support people with learning disabilities and autism to live as ordinary a life as any other citizen.

Systems were in place to help safeguard people from abuse. Staff knew how to identify signs of abuse and what action to take to protect people they supported. Risk assessments had been completed to show how people should be supported with everyday risks, while promoting their independence. Recruitment checks had been carried out to ensure staff were suitable to work with vulnerable people.

People were looked after by small teams of staff who were committed to providing support in a person-centred and caring way. People and relatives were very complimentary about the service.

Medicine management was carried out safely. Records showed that staff received training and competency assessments before they were permitted to administer medicines. Some people were supported by staff to manage their medicines themselves.

Staff had undergone training to ensure they had the knowledge and skills to support people safely. All staff received regular supervision and an annual appraisal. This gave them the opportunity to discuss their work and training needs and reflect on what was working well for them.

The service was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Staff support people to make their own choices, such as what they would like to eat and wear and what activities they would like to do. People could choose what they would like to do and were encouraged and helped to take part in a variety of activities both inside and outside their home. This helped to build their confidence and promote their independence.

Staff worked closely with health and social care professionals to ensure people were supported to maintain good health. People's support plans contained detailed and comprehensive information about their preferred routines, likes and dislikes and how they wished to be supported. People and their families were involved with planning and reviewing their care. This ensured it was tailored to meet their needs.

The service was well-managed. The registered manager and team leaders were committed to putting Turning Point’s vision and values into practice. Audits and quality checks were undertaken on a regular basis. This ensured service provision was maintained at a high standard.