A newly published report has outlined a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing the support available to adults with learning disabilities on the Isle of Man.
The report was commissioned by Manx Care and carried out by Cordis Bright, who have significant experience in reviewing and developing learning disability services. The review evaluated residential care home services (which are provided by Manx Care) for people with learning disabilities. The process involved engagement with people living in the homes, families, care providers and staff. Key recommendations include:
- Expanding and improving housing and accommodation options tailored to the needs of people with learning disabilities
- Strengthening support for ALDS staff
- Developing a strategic commissioning plan to broaden the range and quality of support and care services
Manx Care recognises and acknowledges that this report highlighted a number of issues within the service, and that it needs to focus on significantly improving the support it can provide to individuals across the Island.
Manx Care and key partners are fully committed to delivering high quality services that support adults with learning disabilities. Central to this commitment is meaningful engagement with those who use the services, their families, staff, and wider stakeholders. That engagement will remain vital as the services continue to evolve and improve, and Manx Care will hold sessions with service users and their families as soon as possible following TT, to start moving forward with them.
The organisation has carefully read the recommendations and will now evaluate what works best for those who they support in the Isle of Man. This is a vital opportunity to reshape services.
While the report identifies areas for development, it also highlights the dedication of frontline staff. Their ongoing efforts, often in challenging circumstances, continue to make a profound difference to the lives of local individuals and families.
Manx Care has already started taking some actions in relation to the recommendations, including the development of a commissioning plan, discussing housing options with partners across the system, and new guidance being implemented throughout the service.
Further actions will include engagement with individuals and their families, as well as staff and partners, tendering for services using the new commissioning plan, and working with Social Workers to ensure that they are part of the change the services want to see.
Tim Bishop, Non-Executive Director at Manx Care, commented:
'Cordis Bright has delivered a thorough and valuable piece of work. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the review by sharing their experiences and perspectives as we strive for an Isle of Man solution for Isle of Man residents.
'Meaningful change cannot happen overnight. It demands long-term commitment, the right mix of skills and expertise and a collaborative approach. By working together, we can make progress, take action where needed and shape a future of inclusive, high-quality services for adults with learning disabilities on the Island who we are dedicated to support.'
Minister for Health and Social Care, Claire Christian MHK, added:
'This report highlights how important these services are for our community, especially for making sure that service users and their families are properly connected and supported. The Department will continue work with Manx Care as they now look to implement the recommendations in the report and to develop and modernise our service, alongside Manx Mencap, who have consistently worked incredibly hard to support our community.'
Lesley Walker, Independent Chair to the Isle of Man Safeguarding Board, said:
'The Board welcomes the report and is supportive of the development of improved opportunities for adults with a learning disability on the Island.'
Fran Tinkler, Director of Manx Mencap, commented:
'We welcome the publication of the independent report by Cordis Bright and thank all those who contributed to this important work.
This report confirms what many families have known and experienced for years – that services can be fragmented, under-resourced, and may not meet the needs of people with learning disabilities and their families. It makes for very difficult reading, but we cannot shy away from the realities it describes.
We do not want to see another report that gathers dust on a shelf. This must be the moment that promises turn into progress, supported by proper investment, clear accountability, and timelines for change.
We owe it to every adult with a learning disability on this Island—and to their families—to finally get this right. No more delays, no more excuses.'
Manx Mencap acknowledged the continued efforts of frontline staff and reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with Manx Care and other partners.
'We are ready to collaborate, but we will also continue to challenge and hold decision-makers to account until we see real, measurable improvements in people’s lives'
Added Mrs Tinkler.
