Community Integrated Care celebrates 25th Anniversary

Community Integrated Care celebrated its 25th Anniversary on Thursday 28^th November, with an inspiring daytime conference, followed by a star-studded evening awards ceremony. The charity held the events at the Emirates Old Trafford stadium, Manchester.

The conference, which was attended by almost 200 of Community Integrated Care’s staff and professional partners, brought together a high-profile panel of speakers from both the social care and commercial sectors, to debate key issues in care.

Conference presenters included Dr David Sheard, Founder of Dementia Care Matters; Dr Ann Johnson MBE, Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador; Helen Sanderson, acclaimed expert in person centred planning; and Debra Moore, Director at Danshell Group, who oversaw a landmark review of Castlebeck’s hospitals following the Winterbourne View crisis.

The evening awards ceremony was attended by around 500 people, including employees and people supported by the charity and health and social care professionals. It was hosted by Julie Hesmondhalgh, known to millions as Coronation Street’s Hayley Cropper.

Julie presented 17 awards to staff and people supported by Community Integrated Care, recognising their dedication and successes. The ceremony also included a special performance from X-Factor star Mary Byrne.

Both events were supported by sponsorship from some of the charity’s key suppliers.

Community Integrated Care was formed in 1988, to support people with learning disabilities and mental health concerns to move on from institutionalised hospitals to living independently in the community. It has grown to become one of the UK’s largest health and social care providers, supporting over 2,500 people with learning disabilities, mental health concerns, autism and age-related needs – such as dementia. It employs over 5000 staff and in 2012 had a turnover of £93 million.

Neil Matthewman, Community Integrated Care’s Chief Executive, says: “For a quarter of a century, Community Integrated Care has made an incredible impact on the lives of people with care and support needs across England and Scotland. We wanted to recognise this legacy and our exciting future by holding these unforgettable events.”

He adds, “We were delighted that so many of our staff, the people we support and professional partners were able to join us for these celebrations, which were truly fitting for our special anniversary.”