Specialist support that puts people with neurodiversity first
What makes a service truly life-changing?
For Kimberley and Ray, two long-standing members of the Care Support Scotland team, it’s not just about delivering care. It’s about creating a community, supporting aspirations, and fostering lifelong homes built on trust, familiarity and opportunity.
We sat down with Kimberley, who recently moved from our Learning Disability and Neurodiversity service into Homelessness support after nine incredible years, and Ray, who’s just marked his tenth year with us and now leads one of our teams.
Their reflections offer a powerful insight into what makes our services different, and why so many individuals not only thrive here, but choose to make our supported housing their forever home.
A housing support model that works, and lasts
At the heart of our approach is the core and cluster model. Each of our communities is designed with connection in mind. We have a central staff base with individual homes nearby. This layout ensures 24/7 help and support is never far away, while nurturing a sense of independence and belonging.
“Once they're in, it tends to become their lifelong home, there’s safety in familiarity. And they really thrive with that stability.”
This model is not only practical, it’s transformative. We’ve used this model to create vibrant, safe neighbourhoods across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Here, people feel seen, supported and free to be themselves.
Growth beyond expectations
The impact is a level of independence, confidence and life experience that many of our clients with neurodevelopmental conditions (and their families) once thought out of reach.
“Many of our people had never lived alone or had their own flat before,” Ray says, “but now they genuinely thrive. One young woman we support just got bored one day, went up to the theatre, and got herself a job!”
Our approach is person-led and opportunity-driven. We don’t prescribe what a person’s day or life should look like. We ask them, then we help make it happen.
"It’s not about us telling you what to do. It’s about you telling us what you want, and us making it happen.”
We provide community, not just another neurodiversity service
Life at Care Support Scotland is rich with friendships, shared adventures and spontaneous moments of joy.
“And while we call it a service, it’s not a service. It’s a community.” says Ray.
Whether it’s quiz nights at the local pub, a New Year’s Eve party, or a walk to the shops with neighbours, connection is always encouraged. And that includes the wider community too.
Kimberley explains “we’re always encouraging people to attend events that aren’t specifically for people with learning disabilities or neurodiversity, so they feel truly included.”
A culture that supports everyone
It’s not just the people we support who thrive here. It’s our staff too.
From day one, Care Support Scotland invests in people. Our team members are nurtured, recognised, and given the freedom to take initiative. Leaders are hands-on and approachable, and collaboration is at the core of everything we do.
“If people don’t feel valued, they don’t perform,” Ray says. “You don’t get the best from them. And that’s why this place works. We value people.”
Kimberley adds that “you don’t feel like just a number. You’re part of something. That’s why I’ve stayed so long, and don’t have plans to leave.”
Together, we thrive
From lifelong homes to spontaneous job hunts, Care Support Scotland’s Learning Disability and Neurodiversity service is proof that with the right support and a can-do attitude, people flourish.
This is more than a service. It’s a movement for inclusion, independence and community.
We’re incredibly proud of it.