A CARE provider has been commissioned for another five years by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Vivo provides a range of flexible and responsive support services for adults with learning disabilities and autism and older people, including those with dementia. Services are provided for more than 650 people from buildings, homes and community settings across west Cheshire.

The current contract expires on March 31 2021, meaning that the new contract will allow Vivo to develop its services over the next couple of years in line with the Council’s priorities and vision, particularly the recently-adopted Learning Disability Commissioning Strategy.

Vivo has made significant improvements over the past 18 months, with all services regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) now rated as ‘good’ and learning disability day services providing people in care with plenty of opportunities to enjoy life to the full.

Councillor Val Armstrong, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: “This contract award recognises the improvements Vivo has made across all of its services.

“Our Learning Disability Commissioning Strategy sets out our vision for the future and we are very much looking forward to working with Vivo on this.

“The strategy places great emphasis on the development of the progression model, allowing people with learning disabilities to realise their full potential, and Vivo is already doing some great work in this area, such as training people in catering and hospitality at the Little Roodee Café.”

Alistair Jeffs, Vivo managing director, said: “We fully support the recommendation to award a longer-term contract and welcome the ambitious vision set out in the Learning Disability Commissioning Strategy.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the company to continue its journey towards delivering outstanding care for people with learning disabilities, complex needs and the elderly.

“While it is widely recognised that adult social care is under significant financial and operational pressure, the Council and Vivo have the opportunity to continue to work together to provide quality services by working in partnership.

“Our focus at all times is high-quality care that is based on an individual’s strengths, skills, passions and interests so they will flourish, be more fulfilled, happy and independent.

“We champion coproduction and make sure we develop and deliver services that are designed by, with and for the people who use our services, as well as their carers and families. They are at the heart of all we do.”