1. Time to Care timetocarenortheast@gmail.com

2. Before Young man with autism: challenging behaviour/regularly absconds Placed out of area as no appropriate service available in Newcastle He settled in well, although issues of isolation/autonomy always in the background Expensive care plan

3. During ISD process designed around L Independent facilitator brought in for 2 days Involved everyone important in L’s life L’s thoughts and feelings paramount Allowed all those who supported L to be involved with his plan for the future Action plans and follow up meetings arranged

4. After L in his own tenancy in Newcastle; settling in well, living the life he wants Has centrally held individual budget to support his life Is supported 1:1 and his levels of challenge and absconds much lower now than 18 months ago He enjoys 1:1 support and does not feel he is being “ganged up” on by two staff New community opportunities being identified Previous annual cost: £208,050.00 Current annual cost: £102,544.00 Cost of independent facilitators and all follow up work to implement the plan £5,000

5. Lessons Learnt The service was always user –focused, but now we have the confidence … to be more flexible regarding support to be more innovative and responsive to changing circumstances and to offer a leaner and more cost effective service to commissioning authorities. Experienced managed support needs to be close at hand All of which is more easily achieved by a small organisation