Three C’s Support, a care provider located on Childers Street in Lewisham, has been downgraded to special measures after a shocking inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) revealed dangerously poor care standards. Once rated as “good” in 2019, the latest report published on January 8 highlights catastrophic failures impacting vulnerable young people and adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
The CQC report identifies significant breaches across five critical areas: personalised care, safeguarding, staffing, dignity and respect, and governance. Although Three C’s Support merged with Choice Support in April 2024, the issues outlined in the report have persisted for several years.
The provider operates services across five London boroughs including Hackney, Lewisham, Greenwich, Merton, and Newham. Despite this wide reach, consistent care and safety standards remain absent, raising serious concerns about the wellbeing of service users.
Leadership at Three C’s Support has been described as “poor and inconsistent,” with management failing to properly supervise staff or uphold safeguarding responsibilities. Staff members are reportedly demoralised due to chronic understaffing and insufficient support, which has left them overwhelmed. Additionally, inadequate training and a lack of proper induction and ongoing supervision have compromised the quality of care delivered.
Service users have experienced arbitrary restrictions and a lack of meaningful activities. Relatives have voiced concerns that staff “don’t seem to stay,” further affecting the continuity and quality of care.
The inspection also uncovered mixed cleanliness standards across the provider’s properties, with some environments posing serious health risks. Record-keeping was found to be sloppy, and poor collaboration with health and social care agencies has increased the risk of vulnerable clients being left without adequate support.
In response to the report, Three C’s Support has initiated a detailed improvement programme and voluntarily suspended services in one borough. However, critical safety and quality improvements have yet to be fully implemented. As a result, the CQC has placed the provider into special measures.
The CQC stated, “Special measures provide a framework for enforcement and a strict timeframe to improve inadequate care.” This strong warning underscores the urgent need for action to protect some of London’s most vulnerable residents from harm.
Originally published by UKNIP.
