Empowering Independence: How Cumbria Quality Care and Brunswick Square Are Transforming Lives

Names have been changed to protect tenants’ privacy.

In 2012, Sharon Baxter established Cumbria Quality Care in Penrith with a commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred support to individuals with complex needs. Sharing that vision, her husband Alan joined her in developing the family-run care agency.

Alan brought a different but complementary background to the organisation. Having previously managed sports and leisure centres, he moved into support work in 2008, working with children with behavioural, emotional and social needs. His experience of community engagement and practical support complemented Sharon’s focus on quality and individualised care.

Together, they have developed Cumbria Quality Care while retaining the family values and personal approach that were central to its beginnings.

Supporting People as Individuals

Cumbria Quality Care provides bespoke support packages designed around each individual’s needs, aspirations and daily life.

The organisation supports children and adults with a range of needs, including learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, mental health needs, physical disabilities, sensory impairments and acquired brain injuries.

At the heart of the approach is a simple principle: support should enable people to live the life they choose, rather than expecting people to fit around a service.

That philosophy can be seen clearly at the Brunswick Square property on the Exchange.

Brunswick Square: A New Chapter for Tenants

For tenants moving into Brunswick Square, having a flat of their own represents much more than a change of address. It can be a significant step towards greater independence, choice and control.

Some tenants have moved to the property from living with family, while others have transitioned from previous residential or supported settings. Understandably, moving somewhere new can bring uncertainty.

Settling into a new home takes time, and every tenant experiences that transition differently. However, feedback from tenants shows that those initial worries can sit alongside a growing sense of belonging.

After being initially nervous about the move, Alex told staff:

“It feels like home already.”

That simple comment captures much of what Brunswick Square is aiming to achieve: creating a place where people do not simply receive support, but have a home that feels like their own.

The Freedom of Having Your Own Home

Having their own space has been particularly important to tenants. They are able to enjoy their bedrooms, lounges and sensory spaces, while choosing how they want to spend their time.

For Chloe, moving to Brunswick Square has opened up more opportunities in everyday life. She explained:

“I get to do more. I can watch TV more than once a day and I get to go out more.”

These may seem like ordinary everyday choices, but having greater control over when to relax, what to watch, where to go, and how to spend the day can have a significant impact on a person’s sense of independence.

One tenant described having their “own space” as something that helped them feel more settled, while another simply added:

“I just love this house.”

Building Independence

Independence at Brunswick Square does not necessarily mean doing everything alone. It means having the opportunity to make choices, develop skills, and take responsibility while knowing support is available when needed.

Tenants spoke about completing household tasks, looking after their surroundings, and deciding how they want to spend their day.

James, for example, has plans for developing the outdoor space, saying he would like to make the garden look nicer with “more flowers.” Another tenant described a good day as completing tasks around the house, either independently or alongside their support team.

For some, Brunswick Square has also made everyday activities easier. One tenant explained that being based there makes it easier to go to the shops than it was before.

These everyday achievements are an important part of supported living: giving people the opportunity to develop confidence and independence at their own pace.

Becoming Part of the Community

Brunswick Square’s location close to Penrith town centre and local transport gives tenants opportunities to be active members of the wider community. Tenants spoke enthusiastically about getting out and about, including visiting local shops and charity shops, Castle Park, going bowling, visiting arcades and travelling further afield.

Some enjoy trips into “lovely” Penrith and the surrounding area, while others spoke about church and visits to the Lake District. Having opportunities to leave the house, pursue interests, and access the local community contributes to both independence and quality of life.

Trusted Support Available When It Is Needed

Independence works best when people know reliable support is there when they need it.

Tenants repeatedly highlighted positive relationships with the staff supporting them. They said they feel listened to, know who they can speak to on a difficult day, and feel able to approach their key workers for help.

Asked whether the people supporting them help them feel safe, tenants responded positively.

For one tenant, the staff are one of the things they value most about Brunswick Square:

“I love the day worker and night worker. I love the staff.”

These relationships provide reassurance without taking away independence — helping tenants make their own choices while having trusted people available when support is required.

A Happier Place to Call Home

Perhaps some of the most powerful feedback comes from tenants comparing Brunswick Square with where they lived previously.

Alex reflected:

“I feel happier here. It wasn’t nice where I was before as we didn’t get on and the house was in disrepair.”

Another tenant, when asked what they would tell somebody considering moving into a home like Brunswick Square, said:

“I like this better than my old house.”

Not every aspect of moving home is immediately easy. Tenants have also been honest about things they would like to see improved, including elements of the property layout and access to particular areas. Listening to that feedback is an important part of person-centred support. It allows the team to understand what works for each individual and where further changes or support may be needed.

Choice, Dignity and Independence

The experiences of tenants at Brunswick Square demonstrate what supported living can mean in practice.

It is found in significant milestones such as moving into a flat of your own, but also in smaller everyday moments: deciding when to watch television, going into town, looking after the garden, choosing who to spend time with or knowing there is someone trusted to talk to after a difficult day.

For each tenant, independence looks different.

What connects their experiences is the opportunity to have greater choice, greater control and a home of their own, with support built around them.

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