Navigating adult social care can be overwhelming. To help clarify the process, our CEO Jo Pyrah answers frequently asked questions about learning disability and autism support Cornwall families can rely on. Whether you are a social worker or a family member, this guide covers everything from referrals to residential care options.

Who is eligible for our autism support Cornwall services?

Jo: We provide accommodation and support for adults aged 18 to 64 with autism and learning disabilities. While our services are primarily for this group, we can sometimes consider individuals aged 16–18 if it helps prevent multiple transitions as they move into adult services.

We also have extensive experience supporting people with additional conditions such as Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, epilepsy, and diabetes through partnerships with community NHS teams.

What specific types of residential and community services do you offer?

Jo: We provide two main avenues of autism support Cornwall families and commissioners typically require:

1. Residential Support (Care Homes)

We offer three residential models, all registered as care homes, to meet different needs for privacy and socialisation:

• Family-Style Homes: Shared living for up to four people with compatible needs.
• Single-Occupancy Homes: Private accommodation for individuals who require their own dedicated space.
• Clustered Single-Occupancy: A group of self-contained apartments in close proximity, allowing for individual privacy alongside the benefits of a nearby community.

2. Green Light ‘Go’ (Community Support)

This is our community-based service for individuals who need the flexible autism support Cornwall residents require. It is designed for those aged 16–65 who already have their own accommodation but require Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to maintain their independence.

Note: Green Light ‘Go’ is not currently registered to provide ‘personal care’ (such as physical assistance with washing, dressing, or toileting). If a referred individual is assessed as needing personal care, we would need to apply for the relevant CQC registration.

What is the first step in the referral journey?

Jo: Before we can be commissioned, the Local Authority must complete an assessment of “eligible needs” to identify the support required under the Care Act 2014. In Cornwall, this can be requested through the council’s website.

Once this is in place, professionals can submit a formal request for eligible individuals via our Online Referral & Service Application Form. We then begin a “Discovery” phase, where Registered Managers and Behaviour Analysts meet the person and their family to understand their routines, medical history, and goals.

Do you offer emergency placements?

Jo: Generally, no. We believe in building a service “from the ground up” for each individual rather than simply filling a vacancy. This bespoke approach ensures long-term safety and success, but it means we have a lead time that can span several months. We use this time to:

• Identify and adapt a home to meet specific sensory or environmental needs.
• Recruit and train a dedicated team specifically for that person.
• Facilitate a staged, person-centred transition to build rapport before the individual moves in.

What exactly is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?

Jo: As a leading provider of the autism support Cornwall families trust, we use PBS as a person-centred framework that focuses on human rights and quality of life. Our homes are supported by a specialist team, including Behaviour Analysts with Master’s-level training and Registered Behaviour Technicians.

We conduct functional assessments to understand the reason behind a behaviour—which is often a way of communicating an unmet need—so we can teach new skills and make proactive environmental changes.

What rights should families be aware of?

Jo: It is vital that families know their legal protections:

• Advocacy: If an individual has substantial difficulty participating in their assessment, the Local Authority has a legal duty to provide an independent advocate.
• Carer Rights: Unpaid family carers have a statutory right to a Carer’s Assessment to determine what support they need for themselves.
• Mental Capacity: All decisions must follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005, ensuring representatives are involved in “Best Interests” decisions.

Where do you currently have availability?

Jo: For those seeking immediate autism support Cornwall placements, please note that while all placements are subject to assessment, we currently have capacity listed on the Care Find website, which is populated by information gathered through the NHS Capacity Tracker. In addition, detailed profiles and current CQC “Good” ratings for our homes are available on our CQC provider profile.

How to Move Forward

• For Professionals: If the individual meets our criteria, please complete the Online Referral Form.
• For Families: We welcome informal inquiries to discuss the best autism support Cornwall has to offer for your loved one and to help plan for the months ahead. You can contact us at [email protected] or by calling our office on 01637 416444 during business hours.
• For Further Guidance: We recommend the Challenging Behaviour Foundation’s guide, ‘Getting the Best Support Package’, to help you navigate the system.

The Mews – Six homes for Adults with Learning Disabilities and Autism