Inspection success for Hillcrest Futures’ Edinburgh and Fife services

Hillcrest Futures’ services in Edinburgh and Fife have received ‘Very Good’ ratings across all areas following a recent unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate.

The services, which provide support for people with a wide range of needs including learning disabilities, autism, substance use, mental health and experiences of homelessness, were found to have a significant positive impact on the lives of those they support.

In the report, inspectors praised the services for supporting people with compassion, dignity and respect. People using the service described staff as empathetic, respectful and supportive. One individual commented: “They don’t rush or pressure me, it helps me feel like I’m listened to and valued.”

The services were also commended for their partnership working with health, social care and community organisations, ensuring people had access to the wider help they needed, from attending appointments to accessing food banks and employment support.

The services’ involvement in national harm reduction initiatives, including Naloxone training for staff, was also noted as a potentially life-saving measure that supported people’s wellbeing.

Leadership within the services was described as visible and approachable, with management actively involving people in shaping services. Staff reported feeling supported and valued, and many were eager to further develop their skills in areas such as autism, trauma-informed practice and substance use recovery.

Support planning was described as collaborative and empowering, with individuals actively participating in developing and reviewing their plans. While personal planning documentation had some areas for improvement, it generally reflected individual outcomes and wishes well.

John Booth, Director of Hillcrest Futures, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the inspection results and the recognition of the fantastic work being done by our Edinburgh and Fife teams. These ratings reflect the dedication and compassion our staff show every day. We’ll continue building on this strong foundation to deliver the best possible support to the people we work with.”