Smiles aplenty follow Littlehampton family group’s report

Smile Support & Care, based in St Martin’s Lane, offers vital respite care to families with children and young people who have disabilities, across West Sussex and Hampshire.

Health monitors from the CQC found the charity was meeting all five key standards of care set out by the commission, with the inspection team highlighting the work of Smile’s staff as an essential part in providing this level of service.

The report said: “We saw a staff team that gave the people they worked with choices and tried to encourage [them] to participate in their support and be as independent as possible.”

All family members spoken to by inspectors were happy with the service that Smile provided, and felt their relatives were treated with dignity and respect.

The report noted care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people’s safety and welfare.

Staff also said they felt supported to carry out their roles and that ample opportunities for training were available.

Steven Clarke, Smile Support & Care chairman, said, “The comments from the CQC are very welcome and are testimony to the dedication of our staff.

“We are very careful in selecting, training and deploying our Support Workers to ensure they are uniquely matched to each family.

“Our professionalism and dedication are second to none and this report shows the exemplary standards we strive for can be achieved.

“Clearly children and families are benefiting from the 20 years of experience we have in delivering care in the community

“I am delighted by the supportive comments we have received in this report.”

In addition to Smile’s day-to-day respite work, the charity is fund-raising to build a short-break centre in Waterlooville, Hampshire to give disabled youngsters from across Sussex and Hampshire a chance to take a break. A ground-breaking ceremony for the centre will be taking place this month. However, fund-raising continues to complete the target amount.

Anyone who would like to support Smile Support & Care and its short-break centre appeal can call 02380 613084 or email [email protected]