A SOMERSET care home group that supports people with autism and learning disabilities is up for a number of top-level industry awards.

Homes Caring For Autism works with up to 60 people at a time across the south west, including in Taunton and Bridgwater, and has been praised by families for the ‘exceptional’ care it provides.

The group was founded in 2004 by managing director Richard Smith in response to what he recognised as a lack of opportunities available for people with an autistic spectrum disorder.

Richard, who remortgaged his home and took out a bank loan to purchase the company’s first property, now runs 11 services in Somerset – including in Bridgwater and Taunton – as well as in Wiltshire and North Somerset.

Now, as recognition of the work the group is doing, the company has been nominated for three prestigious regional Great British Care Awards (GBCA) and three national LaingBuisson Awards – the ‘Oscars’ of the care industry.

The Stanway Close service in Taunton was nominated for the GBCA’s ‘Care Team’ award by parents John and Jayne Elton for the staff ’s ‘hard work and dedication’ supporting their son Thomas.

The couple also praised the leadership at the service and for how their son had access to experiences he would not be able to get at home or elsewhere.

Richard, who has been shortlisted for both a GBCA and a LaingBuisson ‘outstanding contribution to care’ award himself, said the company was absolutely delighted to have made the shortlists.

He said: “We are totally committed and love what we do, and it’s great to be acknowledged by our peers that we’re getting it right.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work our staff do to make sure the people who live in our services lead the best lives they possibly can and to support them to achieve their maximum potential.”

The firm employs around 330 people and Richard said everyone was committed to helping the people in their care lead better lives.

“The autistic people we support have complex needs and will present with what is termed ‘challenging behaviour’,”

he explained.

“Our aim is to ensure they do not become isolated as a consequence, but are able to live in the community, engaging in the sorts of everyday activities we all take for granted.”

For more information on Homes Caring For Autism, log on to homescaring-for-autism.co.uk.

For more information on the awards, which are described as recognising the best in independent healthcare and care providers, visit laingbuisson.co.uk/Events/Awards.aspx.