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iBC+

At iBC Healthcare, the iBC+ benefits package reflects our deep commitment to supporting the well-being of our team members, who are at the heart of everything we do. This enhanced package is designed to foster a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling workplace, offering a wide range of benefits tailored to the diverse needs of iBC staff. From wellness support like pharmacy vouchers for menopause and HRT prescriptions, to enhanced maternity, paternity, and fertility leave allowances, we ensure that our colleagues feel supported through every stage of life. Emotional and mental well-being are prioritised through compassionate leave policies and 24/7 access to professional counseling via our Employee Assistance Programme. Physical health is encouraged with daily fresh fruits at work, access to the Bike to Work Scheme, and eco-friendly commuting options like the Electric Car Scheme. Additionally, financial well-being is bolstered through exclusive savings with the Blue Light card, and opportunities for continuous learning are provided through free access to Udemy courses. By investing in our people with iBC+, we create a nurturing environment where staff feel valued, empowered, and motivated to deliver exceptional care, ensuring that both our team and the individuals we support thrive together​.

To learn more about careers with iBC Healthcare, visit What does success look like? – IBC Healthcare

#doamazingeveryday

Personalised Care in Action: Olly’s Story

Olly’s story is a heartwarming example of how the right support and environment can truly change lives. Olly, a young man with severe learning disabilities and autism, had been living in residential care since he was 14. But when the provider could suddenly no longer meet his complex needs, Olly and his family faced the challenging and uncertain task of finding suitable care and accommodation. Olly’s parents shared that the alternative options initially presented to them just didn’t feel right – they weren’t tailored to Olly’s specific needs or aspirations.

A Home Designed Just for Olly

Olly’s new chapter wasn’t just about providing care; he needed an environment that truly suited him. Olly’s home has been carefully designed and personalised to meet his specific needs, promoting a sense of safety and comfort in his surroundings. Every aspect of his home has been thoughtfully considered to enhance his well-being and encourage independence.

  • His Favourite Colours
    Olly’s home is decorated with his favourite colours, creating a space that feels truly his own and brings him comfort and joy. From the walls to the little details, the environment reflects his personality and preferences.
  • A Sensory-Friendly Green Room
    One of the most special features of Olly’s home is his sensory room, known as the “green room,” where soft padding has been installed on the floors and walls. This space provides him with a calming retreat where he can relax and feel secure, meeting his sensory needs in a safe and stimulating way.
  • Visual Aids for Independence
    To support his communication and daily routines, Olly’s walls are filled with pictures and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) cards. These visuals help him navigate his space with confidence, fostering his independence and enhancing his ability to make choices throughout his day, in line with his communication needs.
  • Practical and Durable Design Features
    Understanding Olly’s needs and behaviours, his home has been designed with several practical adaptations to ensure safety and longevity. Most cupboards do not have doors, helping to prevent property damage and reduce anxiety, while toughened furniture has been installed and securely fixed to walls to create a stable and secure living space.
  • A Custom-Built Computer Desk
    Technology is an important part of Olly’s life, and his home features a custom-built computer desk designed specifically for him. The desk securely houses his computer and monitor within it, reducing clutter and keeping his equipment safe and easily accessible. This thoughtful addition allows him to enjoy his interests without the risk of damaging his valued belongings.

Life after Moving

Since moving into his new home, Olly has flourished in ways that have brought joy to both him and those around him. He now actively participates in daily activities at home and enjoys engaging with his local community in ways that align with his interests and preferences. The dedicated support team at iBC Healthcare has developed fantastic relationships with Olly, and they take great pride in seeing the positive changes this new chapter has brought into his life.

Olly has embraced new opportunities for learning and personal growth, developing skills such as telling time, understanding the days of the week, and improving his reading and writing abilities. His daily routine is enriched with in-home gym sessions, yoga accompanied by music, and plenty of fun activities tailored to his enjoyment.

Beyond his home, Olly has embarked on exciting adventures, visiting places like Skegness, Stonehenge, and Scarborough. He has also explored the wonders of the National Space Centre and enjoyed multiple trips to zoos, farms, and museums, broadening his experiences and creating new memories.

Olly’s parents share that when they first visited him in his new home with iBC:

Olly holds his own tenancy, giving him the stability and independence he deserves. At iBC Healthcare, we truly believe that providing the right environment is key to delivering specialist support for individuals with complex needs. A well-suited home can make all the difference, fostering a sense of ownership, comfort, and empowerment.

Olly’s bungalow isn’t just a place to live; it’s his home for life, thoughtfully designed to meet his unique needs and preferences. This living arrangement offers a much-needed alternative to institutionalised care, ensuring that Olly can enjoy a fulfilling life within the community, surrounded by familiarity, everyday joy, and the support he requires.

We are thrilled to have been part of Olly’s journey to finding his forever home, where he now receives the specialist support he deserves. This milestone reflects the incredible collaboration between iBC Healthcare, Derbyshire NHS teams, and Olly’s family. From purchasing his house and undertaking bespoke adaptations to delivering tailored in-house training and ensuring Olly’s smooth transition, every detail was centred around Olly’s unique needs and preferences. Seeing Olly settled and thriving, with such positive feedback from those who know him best, has been wonderful to see.

At iBC Healthcare, stories like Olly’s are what drive us. Our mission is all about providing person-centred care that empowers individuals to feel safe, supported, and live self-directed lives. Just like in Olly’s case, we believe in listening to the people we support and their families, tailoring care to suit their unique needs, and ensuring they have a strong voice in their own journey. Whether it’s helping someone transition into their own home, offering meaningful activities, or providing highly skilled support teams, our focus is always on creating a nurturing and empowering environment.

Thank you Joined Up Derbyshire – “Our story shows how NHS teams should provide personalised care” » Joined Up Care Derbyshire

A huge thank you to Olly, his parents, our amazing iBC operational team in Derbyshire, and Derbyshire ICB #doamazingeveryday #SupportedLiving #TransformingCare #BuildingTheRightSupport

Urgent Accommodation & Support for Complex Needs This Christmas

Christmas is a time for joy, connection, and comfort. But for some, it can bring unexpected crisis, especially for individuals with complex needs and their families. For individuals with complex care needs, the difficulties can be unimaginable. Changes to routine, dark nights, busy community spaces, altered surroundings, staff annual leave, the anxiety of the season, and the sad reality of spending Christmas in a hospital or institutional setting. At iBC Healthcare, we’re here to ensure no one faces the holidays feeling unsafe or unsupported.

If you support or know somebody who requires urgent accommodation and specialist care this Christmas, our dedicated teams are here to help. We can offer a safe, nurturing environment on an urgent basis across Respite, Residential and Supported Living services. We hope you don’t need us, but we are here if you do.

Because everyone, should have access to a home and the care they deserve, everyday.

📞 Call us: 0116 221 5545
📧 Email us: referrals@ibchealthcare.co.uk

#HomeForChristmas

Service Spotlight – Tarry Hill

At Tarry Hill, we are dedicated to providing exceptional, person-centred care for individuals with complex needs. Our compassionate team is committed to creating a nurturing environment where each resident can flourish and achieve their personal goals.

A Unique and Home-Style Setting

Tarry Hill is designed with care and compatibility at its core, comprising five individual houses, each accommodating 3 to 4 residents. This thoughtful layout fosters a sense of community while maintaining a homely and intimate atmosphere.

  • Focus on Compatibility: By offering smaller households, we ensure residents live in environments that suit their personalities, needs, and preferences, avoiding the feel of a large, typical residential home setting.
  • A Home for Life: Whether a resident stays with us for a lifetime or for as long as they need, Tarry Hill provides a true home, offering stability, security, and a supportive community.
  • Domestic Comforts: Each house is tailored to feel like a home, complete with cozy living spaces, personalised bedrooms, and shared spaces where residents can connect and enjoy day-to-day life.

Dedicated and Compassionate Staff

At the heart of Tarry Hill’s success are its incredible team members. Many Tarry Hill staff have recently celebrated long-term service milestones and were honored during iBC Healthcare’s Long Term Service Awards for their dedication and commitment. These team members exemplify the values of consistency and care, ensuring residents feel safe, supported, and valued every day.

Several Tarry Hill staff members have also been recognised as iBC’s “Star Performer of the Month”, a testament to their commitment to the people they support. Whether it’s going the extra mile to create meaningful experiences or finding innovative ways to meet complex needs, the staff consistently make a significant impact on the lives of the people we support.

Empowering Journeys: JB’s Wainwright Challenge

One of Tarry Hill’s remarkable residents, JB, who has a diagnosis of severe autism, embarked on an extraordinary quest to climb all 214 Wainwright peaks in the Lake District. With the support of Tarry Hill staff, JB has impressively summited 97 peaks in less than three years. This accomplishment is even more significant considering his support needs and the challenges he faces everyday.

Beyond the Wainwright Challenge, JB has also traversed Spain on foot and completed several renowned routes in the UK, including the Coast to Coast, Pennine Way, and West Highland Way. His determination and resilience are a testament to what can be achieved with the right support and encouragement.

A Community of Achievement

At Tarry Hill, we celebrate each resident’s achievements, no matter how big or small. Our holistic approach ensures that individuals with complex needs receive the comprehensive support they require to lead fulfilling lives.

Through dedication, tailored support, and a nurturing environment, Tarry Hill continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those we care for, proving that with the right support, extraordinary achievements are possible.

A Special Shoutout: Eloise Percival, Service Manager

Tarry Hill’s success would not be possible without the exceptional leadership of Eloise Percival, Tarry Hill’s Manager. Eloise is instrumental in fostering a culture of care, respect, and empowerment at Tarry Hill. Eloise’s dedication to maintaining a home-style, person-centred environment ensures that each resident receives the highest standard of care tailored to their unique needs. Her ability to lead with compassion and vision has created a thriving, supportive community where both staff and residents feel valued and empowered.

We are also delighted to share that following a recent independent audit, Tarry Hill received an “Overall Good” rating. This achievement is a reflection of the outstanding care and support the team provides every day.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in maintaining these high standards and continuing to make Tarry Hill a safe, supportive, and empowering home for residents. This accomplishment highlights the strength of the team, incredible culture of the service and the amazing individuals we support.

To make a referral, please email referrals@ibchealthcare.co.uk

Meet Faith!

Just three weeks ago, Faith moved into her very own home with the support of iBC, and she couldn’t be prouder to show us around! Her apartment at Cedars, Leicestershire, offers specialist 24-hour support, meaningful access to the community, and the freedom to plan her days exactly as she chooses.
We are thrilled to see Faith thriving in her new home and are excited to follow her journey, including an inspiring 15-mile sponsored walk where she’ll be joined by iBC colleagues!

At iBC Healthcare, we are dedicated to creating enhanced opportunities within the community by providing the right support, the right environment, and the freedom for individuals to truly make a house a home. We believe everyone deserves the chance to thrive in a space that feels uniquely theirs, and Faith’s journey embodies this mission. We are excited to follow her progress and look forward to celebrating all she achieves as she continues to flourish in her new home and community.

Cedars currently has apartments available. For enquiries, please reach out to referrals@ibchealthcare.co.uk.

hashtag#HomesNotHospitals hashtag#WeDoAmazingEveryDay

Inspiring Progress: Claire’s Journey with iBC Healthcare and EUPD

Claire, a 36-year-old woman with a history of complex needs, has shown incredible progress with the support of iBC Healthcare. Diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), Claire’s journey is a testament to the power of personalised care and least restrictive practices. EUPD, also known as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), is a mental health condition characterised by intense emotional instability, impulsive behaviours, and difficulties in maintaining relationships. For those living with EUPD, daily life can be challenging due to mood swings, a deep fear of abandonment, and tendencies toward self-harm or aggressive behaviour.

Before joining iBC Healthcare, Claire had spent her entire life in institutional settings that were not equipped to meet the complex needs associated with her Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). Claire experienced frequent bouts of challenging behaviour, including incidents of challenging behaviour, attempts to self-harm, and heightened anxiety. These behaviours often escalated and were met with restrictive physical interventions to manage her safety. Claire’s last placement sadly broke down and a referral was made to iBC Healthcare, marking a turning point in Claire’s journey toward more compassionate and effective care.

iBC Healthcare, known for our expertise in complex mental health support, developed a tailored care plan for Claire with a focus on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) models of support and approaches, which reduces reliance on physical interventions, offering more personalised and understanding care. This approach aligns with iBC’s commitment to providing the least restrictive environment possible for people with complex needs like EUPD.

Claire’s progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her staffing ratio has been reduced as her independence has grown. Notably since being supported by iBC, Claire has required only one minor intervention; a brief 50-second seated hold in 2023. “This marks a significant reduction in incidents for Claire,” said James Punch, PBS Lead. Highlighting how a reduction in physical interventions is a result of staff’s upskilling in PBS techniques. This has empowered them to listen and communicate more effectively with Claire, resulting in more independence and less reliance on restrictive safety measures.

Living Life to the Fullest

Since joining iBC, Claire has experienced milestones she never thought possible. For the first time since she was seven, Claire has been on a holiday, with future plans to fulfil a lifelong dream of visiting Disneyland with her first overseas trip. Claire recently also achieved another personal goal by attending The Lion King musical in London.

Claire also attends a weekly disco, where she is described to “dance the night away” with her friends. This newfound ability to socialise and enjoy community activities reflects iBC’s core value of ensuring that the people we support are never isolated from opportunities for friendship and social interaction.

Claire’s first holiday since she was 7
Claire’s goal of seeing The Lion King reached

Skill Building and Personal Growth

In addition to her social breakthroughs, Claire has developed essential life skills with the help of Lester Hall Apartments’ activity-focused environment. The on-site activity kitchen, laundry room, gym, sensory room, and group trips have all contributed to her growing sense of independence. The in-house activity coordinator has been instrumental in designing engaging routines that keep Claire mentally stimulated and focused, a crucial aspect of reducing her challenging behaviours.

Prior to joining iBC, boredom and lack of structure would often lead to aggressive or self-harming behaviours. Now, Claire thrives with a packed schedule, gaining confidence and improving her daily living skills.

A Voice for Change

Claire has made remarkable personal progress and has even now embraced a new role as a co-producer in a pioneering training initiative at iBC Healthcare. Partnering with Dan Wade, Head of Learning & Development, and PBS Lead James Punch, Claire has played a crucial role in shaping a program that focuses on restraint reduction and addresses the unique needs of individuals with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). One of the program’s most powerful components is Claire’s heartfelt interview, where she openly discusses the detrimental impact of restrictive practices on her life before joining iBC. “I just wanted a life. The life I had before iBC was not healthy; at times, it made me feel so low I was thinking about ending my life, and that’s not right,” Claire shared. Her testimony now serves as a potent reminder to staff about the importance of listening to those in their care and prioritizing least restrictive practices whenever possible.

The co-produced program, centered around Claire’s journey, has been fully integrated into several key modules within iBC’s induction training, including Safeguarding Adults & Whistleblowing and Crisis Intervention Institute foundation training. By using Claire’s story as a learning tool, the program fosters a deeper empathy toward individuals with EUPD while reinforcing the critical importance of restraint reduction and personalized care practices. Modules featuring Claire’s video contributions include Person-Centred and Trauma-Informed Approach, Justification for Restraint, and Communication During Holds.

By involving Claire in the co-production of this essential training, iBC Healthcare upholds its commitment to ensuring that the voices of those we support remain at the heart of every decision. Dan Wade, who co-delivered one of the first face-to-face induction sessions with this material, observed:

Claire’s involvement in this initiative not only highlights her own incredible progress but also ensures that the practices that supported her transformation are shared with those who will continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Looking Forward

Claire’s journey with iBC Healthcare exemplifies the transformative power of personalized, compassionate care. Through tailored support plans, a focus on independence, and a deep commitment to reducing restrictive practices, Claire now lives a life filled with joy, independence, and hope. With her Disney trip on the horizon and a continued drive toward self-improvement, Claire’s future looks bright—and iBC Healthcare remains by her side, ensuring she continues to thrive.

To make a referral to one of iBC’s specialist Mental Health services: please contact referrals@ibchealthcare.co.uk

Thank you to Claire, James Punch, Dan Wade, Charlie Potter and the Lester Hall Apartments Team.

#DoAmazingEveryDay

E’s Journey to Cedars

E, a young and vibrant woman with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and moderate learning disabilities, faced adversity when her former residential provision was closing. With no other care providers willing to accommodate her complex needs, E’s future looked uncertain and the need for alternative support and accommodation grew urgent. Many providers deemed her transition into a non-institutional setting unfeasible due to her heightened anxieties and history of challenging behaviours and with every assessment, came further rejection of supporting her.

Thankfully, iBC Healthcare had a different vision and stepped in with a commitment to ensure E wouldn’t face an inappropriate placement or worse, an unnecessary hospital admission given the urgency of her situation. iBC saw beyond the risk factors that deterred others and instead focused on the potential for E to live a fulfilling life in the community, where she could be understood and supported in line with her complex needs. This marked the beginning of E’s transition to Cedars, a specialised supported living service of 4 bespoke apartments in Leicester.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. E had previously lived in a small single room, so adjusting to a spacious apartment and a large garden at Cedars was a significant change. The new environment, combined with the transition to new staff, was difficult for E to adapt to and her behaviour often reflected her struggle of communicating her anxiety. However, with meaningful communication, therapeutic PBS support, structured routines, and dedicated understanding from her new team, E began to settle.

E’s new home – Specialist Supported Living Apartments in Leicester (Cedars)

E moved into her new home in August 2024 and is beginning to thrive with the everyday freedoms of supported living. E is often seen relaxing in her sensory swing, goes shopping with the support of her staff team and enjoys the local pub for dessert! iBC is helping E thrive by providing tailored support that addresses her complex needs. We see all behaviour as communication, so instead of seeing E’s heightened anxieties and incidents as barriers, we have embraced these as opportunities to understand her better. By interpreting her actions and emotions in context, we continue to create an environment where E feels heard and supported – with patience, clear communication, and visual aids to help E express herself.

iBC continue to empower E by encouraging her to make choices about her day, from selecting activities to deciding on meals. Our approach to positive behaviour support allows us to proactively prevent incidents by recognising her triggers and avoiding overstimulating environments. E’s staff are trained to respond with calmness and reassurance, helping E feel safe and supported, even on difficult days.

As E continues to settle, we see a bright future ahead. We’re excited about the new opportunities Cedars offers her for joy, freedom, and exploring her goals in a safe, functional, non-institutional setting. E is already on her way to achieving one of her goals of going swimming, which her support team are helping E work towards at a pace that suits her.

Thank you to E, her Mum, MDT and the iBC Supported Living Team in Leicester, for your continuous dedication to #doamazingeveryday.

Transforming Care, Transforming Lives: J’s Story

J is a young man with complex care and support needs who has faced numerous challenges, including multiple placement breakdowns. These disruptions led to ongoing instability, unmet support needs, and increasingly challenging behaviour. Diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and a Learning Disability, J spent much of his life without the specialised support or environment necessary for him to thrive. He moved from one placement to another, each time hoping to find a place he could truly call home.

J struggles to express his needs and emotions verbally, so his behaviour often reflects his mood. He can become easily frustrated, and his behaviour can escalate quickly, requiring highly trained staff to anticipate his needs and emotional state before incidents occur. At 18, J was placed in a shared, non-specialist-supported living provision. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before the placement began to break down. J has difficulty tolerating loud noises, busy environments, and changes to his routine without thorough transitional support. These factors, combined with the new shared living situation, triggered severe behaviours that posed risks to himself and others, and his mental health rapidly deteriorated. Staff became fearful of J, affecting their ability to provide the meaningful care and support he deserved. Eventually, J was sectioned under the Mental Health Act, and this cycle of instability continued into his adulthood.


During J’s time in seclusion in Rotherham, his interactions with others were minimal. Isolated from his peers and the community, his behaviours escalated as a result of heightened anxiety, with a lot of time spent alone on his iPad. Thankfully, a referral was made to iBC Healthcare, recognising our expertise and ability to offer a highly personalised transition to a single-occupancy property. Unlike previous experiences, iBC Healthcare approached J not as a set of challenges or risks but as a person who deserved understanding, respect, and the chance to flourish on his own terms. The process was not without its difficulties. Obstacles around funding, the urgency of the move, and the need to advocate for J every day persisted for months. However, iBC Healthcare remained confident in our ability to make a significant impact on J’s life. Once the placement was approved, we carefully planned a gradual transition while J’s new home in Sheffield was being refurbished. We collaborated closely with the Rotherham, Doncaster, and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust to prioritise moving J from the seclusion suite to an open ward. During this time, we reviewed J’s past placements, identifying what worked and what didn’t to build the foundation for a sustainable placement, with the goal of ensuring J would never face this situation again.

J’s new bespoke home in Sheffield

In close partnership with J’s multidisciplinary team (MDT), iBC’s Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) Lead, James Punch, visited J over a six-week period to establish a relationship. During transitional visits to J in seclusion, we observed J to spend much of his day pacing his room with a sheet over his head, he would hoard pieces of paper, not engage in personal care and staff members would observe J via CCTV, periodically placing food on the floor and quickly closing the door. James Punch understood that J was lacking significant interaction, so began taking small steps to connect with J, such as placing a sheet over his own head and playing with a sensory ball. J was engaged and watched James, which the staff expressed he had not done before. Sometime later J said hello to James and started laughing at his movements, which was notably the first positive interaction he’d had in some time and the first step towards a good relationship. Knowing that trust is essential for J, James worked with the hospital team to share strategies, such as intensive interaction, positive risk-taking, and meaningful play, while developing a robust PBS plan for his eventual move. JJ developed a strong connection with James, even requesting photographs of his new home and for it to be decorated in his favourite colour, blue!

After several visits and J repeatedly asking for the door to his seclusion suit to be opened, James worked with the hospital to prepare a lounge for J, ensuring it was safe and there were activities and toys waiting for him. James supported the hospital staff to help them feel confident in their interactions with J in preparation for his seclusion suite door to be opened. It was anticipated that J would present with risk behaviours in the lounge however reflecting the power of positive risk-taking, this wasn’t the case.

With the access to the lounge going so well, iBC now wanted the opportunity to interact with J outside. James said: “J played football with me and danced in the rain. We sat and played with Lego for hours, building a fish and a house!” Notably very different to the way J was described as “hiding” from staff members before the transition began. Just a few weeks later, J was ready for discharge, and his bespoke bungalow in Sheffield, complete with a dedicated, person-centred staff team, was waiting to welcome him.

In May 2024, J moved into his forever home and has since made remarkable progress. Milestones that once seemed out of reach have become part of his everyday life. J now engages with his community, shops for groceries, visits the barber, and even cooks his meals. His support ratio decreased from 3:1 to 2:1 within just 12 weeks—a significant indicator of the reduction in incidents and the positive relationships he has built with his support team. Since moving into his new home nearly six months ago, there have been only two incidents, both managed calmly and effectively by a team that truly understands him, preventing escalation.

But perhaps the most profound testament to the transformation iBC Healthcare has fostered is J’s own recognition of his happiness. For someone who spent so much time feeling confined and misunderstood, expressing satisfaction with his home and the support he receives is an incredible achievement.
J’s story isn’t just about changing a placement, it’s about transforming a life. His journey is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves the chance to be understood, supported, and given the opportunity to live their life to the fullest. Today, J is living the life he wants, free from the seclusion that once defined him.

A huge thank you to J, his incredible support team, iBC’s PBS team, the operational colleagues of Supported Living South Yorkshire, and J’s MDT. We look forward to all that J will undoubtedly accomplish in his bright future ahead.