Transforming care in South Yorkshire

In the last few years Achieve together have been expanding its network of specialist homes for people with autism, learning disabilities and mental health.  In South Yorkshire this has taken shape in the form of three brand new build developments in Doncaster and Thryberg, near Rotherham.

Built to the highest standards these homes offer comfort and sustainability with energy efficiency being at the forefront of design.  Each home provides a secure, welcoming and modern environment where people can build independence with a team that helps them to thrive.

We caught up with Lorraine, Registered Manager, who oversees the three developments to find out about her vision for the future of supported living in South Yorkshire.

What makes the homes you manage unique?   

Honestly, they are all stunning homes. So often in this industry we adapt homes or change the layouts of existing buildings.  But these homes are all purpose built, brand new, lovely inside and out.  The individual bungalows and houses allow people to live fully independently, or shared if they choose, with their own private gardens, car parking spaces and freedom to decorate and make their home completely their own.  The psychological benefits of having your own home can’t be understated and allows people a level of freedom and independence that cannot easily be provided in shared accommodation.

What is your vision for supported living in South Yorkshire?

I have two main goals, the first of which is to get the homes in my area to be performing at the best they can and be a flagship location for Achieve together. The homes and buildings are already there and it’s my job to bring the teams together, build on those teams, develop the people and offer first class support. I want the three developments to work together as one group, sharing expertise, working across all homes so that there is a continuity of care for the people we support when it comes to covering shifts and annual leave.

The second is to deliver best in sector support for the people in our homes. The models of support at Achieve together provide a great structure and the support from our Positive Behaviour Support, Forensic and Nursing teams is fantastic. I want our homes to provide support that enables the people living in them to live their best lives, fully enriched and meaningful. I want people to experience new things, to show them what there is out there in the world to enjoy, help them build friendships and take positive risks to build a full life. 

What led you to your current position?

I’ve worked in social care for more than 26 years in both child and adult services. Initially, I worked for MENCAP, supporting people with learning disabilities and working my way up through support worker, team leader and deputy manager roles. 

I then moved on to outreach services, supporting young people to move into their own homes and start their journey towards independent living, something that provided me with a great grounding for the work I do here.

I spent a few years managing a secure unit that dealt with a lot of forensic care needs, again supporting people who had been either incorrectly placed or needed new homes, matching their needs with support that would help them to thrive.

Throughout all my positions I have put the people we support first, developing my skills in trauma informed care, team leadership, residential and social care through NVQs and on the job training.  I am looking forward to using these skills to help develop the teams and services we offer in South Yorkshire.

The Homes

All of our homes in South Yorkshire support people with Autism, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health needs, with some homes offering additional accessible spaces for people with physical disabilities or restricted mobility.

Make a referral

Our dedicated referrals team are on hand to help advise on support packages and suitable homes. 

Email: referrals@achievetogether.co.uk

Call: 03301 755332