iBC Healthcare’s Lamb Rise: Built on Care & Collaboration
iBC Healthcare, one of the UK’s fastest-growing providers of complex care and specialist supported living, has officially launched Lamb Rise, a flagship new-build development in Staffordshire designed to meet the needs of people with autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and behaviours that challenge. More than just a property, Lamb Rise is the embodiment of iBC’s core belief: that everyone, no matter how complex their needs, deserves a fulfilling, independent life in the heart of their community.
Backed by a reputation for innovation, creativity and commitment to co-production in complex care, iBC has grown significantly across the UK, working alongside local authorities and NHS partners to deliver responsive, rights-based support. Lamb Rise is iBC’s first core-and-cluster development, completed in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent ICB, and built with the clear aim of transforming outcomes for those most at risk of institutionalisation.
“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.”
– Jenny Payne, CEO, iBC Healthcare
Situated on a new private road and renamed to reflect its fresh beginnings, Lamb Rise comprises four accessible bungalows and two self-contained apartments, with two more apartments arriving in Phase 2. Every inch of the development 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.
Built in line with ‘Design by Autism’ principles, the homes include:
- Low-arousal interiors
- Anti-ligature wet rooms
- Energy-efficient systems
- 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.
Lamb Rise came to life through true partnership with health and social care leaders. Its model reflects the Transforming Care agenda, offering a credible, local alternative to out-of-area placements and long-term inpatient stays.
“The attention to detail here is impressive. It’s clear iBC understands the pressure on services and the people behind them. Lamb Rise is the type of model commissioners are keen to see.”
– Commissioner
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 (PBS) Lead who recently completed his doctorate in reducing restrictive practices
- CPI-certified instructors delivering advanced Safety Intervention training to all team members
Support colleagues 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.
“We’re trained to understand, not control. We focus on what’s possible, on what people can do, not what they can’t or what’s too risky.”
— Support Worker, iBC Healthcare
Being based in a vibrant Staffordshire community or Kidsgrove, 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 from the moment they arrive. 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.
Lamb Rise is already being seen as a blueprint for future iBC 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.
As iBC Healthcare continues to grow across the UK, Lamb Rise stands as a proud milestone; evidence that with the right partners, values, and vision, transforming care is not just possible, it’s finally happening.