Current services for learning disability and autism
Residential care:
Across the city we have 14 residential care schemes (with the inclusion of respite provision) providing support for individuals with moderate to complex needs managed by 7 providers. There are 101 residential beds in city, with 13 residential respite beds (8 provided through the external market, 5 through internally provided services). Care home occupancy averages around 87% (April 2024).
Community support:
Since our previous MPS we have reduced the number of commissioned residential placements for individuals with a learning disability, autism, or mental health needs in part through the expansion of available supported living provision in the city. Across the city we have a range of supported living environments ranging from individual houses through to larger core and cluster developments of 24 apartments. The range of need varies from low/moderate to complex with tailored levels of support promoting people’s independence. Individuals have assured shorthold tenancies and their support needs are met by care providers who have been commissioned by the Council. There are 51 specific locations providing supported living opportunities for 219 people, comprising of schemes and community based support with additional capacity and service delivery available through individual tenancies within the community (May 2024). Individuals in supported living schemes also have the opportunity for self-directed support through direct payments. Coventry commissioned 70 supported living placements outside of the city in 2023/24 for people 18-64 including a small number of bespoke services for people who have been discharged from long-stay hospitals (Transforming Care). Note this figure also includes mental health placements. There is a specific home support service for individuals who require learning disability and or autism support and additional support provided by the third sector.
Day opportunities:
The Council currently operates a day opportunities framework covering learning disability, peer networks, complex behaviour, dual diagnosis and autism and includes building-based services, 1:1 support, employment support, peer
support and other community groups. The model is based upon an outcome focused progression model of working which promotes people to use day opportunity services as a transition to independent living and independence where appropriate, with all services having a preventative focus. There is a total of 7 day opportunity providers, catering for individuals with a learning disability and / or autism and people who require mental health support, including 3 Council run services.
An alternative community support service is now also available to support people with learning disabilities and autism to make friends or find love via a friendship and dating network. Through trips, workshops, social events, and chaperoned dates, the service supports individuals to build relationships in a relaxed atmosphere aiming to reduce loneliness, increase quality of life and live independently. The Council also provide a range of employment support and opportunities to improve access to voluntary and paid employment for individuals