iBC Healthcare, which provides complex care and specialist supported living, has launched Lamb Rise, a new-build development in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire for people with autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and challenging behaviours.

Lamb Rise is iBC’s first core-and-cluster development, completed in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board.

Situated on a new private road, Lamb Rise comprises four accessible bungalows and two self-contained apartments, with two more apartments arriving in Phase 2.

The development aims to transforming outcomes for those most at risk of institutionalisation and has been crafted to support individuals leaving hospital or residential settings where support has broken down, or perhaps never existed in the way it should.

iBC Healthcare’s chief executive Jenny Payne said: “Lamb Rise is the clearest expression yet of what iBC is here to do; enhance lives, not just create services. We’ve listened to commissioners, to families, and most importantly to the people we support. This is a place where people can truly thrive, no matter how complex their needs.”

Built in line with ‘Design by Autism’ principles, the homes include low-arousal interiors,  anti-ligature wet rooms, energy-efficient systems, and a highly robust but non-clinical design.

With ample space for individuals who require 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1 support, and a responsive floating staff team on-site, Lamb Rise can flex up or down depending on presentation. A dedicated senior team member is always present, ensuring people receive the right support at the right time, without unnecessary restriction.

Individuals have already been allocated to properties, and the service is being used to prevent future hospital admissions, facilitate step-down placements, and provide long-term homes for those previously seen as ‘too complex’ for the community.

Lamb Rise is supported by iBC’s in-house therapeutic support team, including:

• A mental health nurse lead with extensive forensic and community experience.
• A positive behaviour support lead who recently completed his doctorate in reducing restrictive practices
•  Crisis Prevention Institute-certified instructors delivering advanced safety intervention training to all team members.

Support staff are trained in trauma-informed approaches, person-centred communication, and positive risk-taking, ensuring every individual has the tools and encouragement to build independence, identity and explore their skills in a safe and functional setting.

iBC Healthcare’s stated that individuals will be encouraged to reconnect with life, accessing local services, nature, family, leisure, and vocational opportunities. Every home is customisable, ensuring people can bring their identity and culture into their space. iBC has also introduced a shared vehicle for the service to utilise, recognising that individuals discharged from hospital may face delays in accessing mobility benefits, yet therapeutic drives and community access are essential from day one, but rarely offered in a supported living model.

iBC Healthcare’s added that Lamb Rise is a blueprint for its future services – homes that are therapeutic but not clinical, flexible but safe, embedded in the community but resilient to crisis, and staffed by people who genuinely care.