A Sutton Coldfield care home previously rated as failing has now received a “Good” rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following a surprise inspection – marking a major turnaround under new management.

The care home, located on Vesey Road, was taken over in 2022 by Lisieux Trust, an award-winning Midlands-based charity that specialises in supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism. The previous owners were forced to sell after repeated warnings over the poor quality of care were ignored.

Now, the home is being recognised for its dramatically improved standards, with residents enjoying greater dignity, choice, and support in a safe and empowering environment.

A delighted Susan Hoath, Interim Chief Executive of Lisieux Trust, said:

 “We are all so very excited about and proud of this result!   Not just proud of the team at the Vesey Road home, who have undoubtedly made a huge impact on the lives of the people who live there, but also everyone else who works here at the Trust.   We are committed to putting the people we support at the absolute centre of everything we do, and it is wonderful to have that recognised officially by the CQC.”

Denise Barrett, the home’s Registered Manager, who has been instrumental in leading the turnaround, paid tribute to the staff:

“When we first took on the service, it was in special measures, and the first year was extremely challenging for everyone. Residents had to adjust to change, and our priority was to give them back choice, control, and a safe environment. It was very much a team effort, with staff across the Trust stepping in to help us reshape the culture and rebuild standards of care.”

Under the guidance of Lisieux Trust, residents have flourished. Some who were once fully dependent on residential care have now been supported to move into one of the charity’s Supported Living accommodations – a key achievement, Denise says:

“What makes me most proud is seeing the difference in our residents’ lives.,” she explained. “Their well-being has improved so much, and achieving an overall ‘Good’ rating from the CQC reflects the dedication of everyone who contributed along the way. It’s been a true team journey, and the positive, supportive culture we now have is something very special.”

One of the Residents perhaps best exemplifies this journey. Rose wishes to identify as a woman, and this wasn’t accepted under the old regime:

“With the old management, I always got the blame, and I had to hide who I was,” they explained. “They told me I was a boy, not a girl, and they controlled who I could see. I felt so alone. Now I can just be myself, and that means everything to me.”

Founded in 1984, Lisieux Trust provides safe, supportive, and inclusive homes for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. With a mission to help every individual live as independently as possible, the Trust operates several residential and supported living homes across Sutton, Boldmere, Erdington and Wylde Green. It has been recognised for its compassionate and person-centred approach, empowering residents to make choices, build relationships, and thrive in their communities.

One of the staff teams at another of their homes recently won Team of the Year at the Care Awards and this latest success underlines the Trust’s commitment to transforming lives and raising care standards in the region.

For further information, visit: www.lisieuxtrust.org.uk