Kisharon Langdon, which supports autistic people and those with disabilities, has announced that it will no longer be operating in Manchester, with its current services being transferred to a local provider.
While Kisharon Langdon’s head office and main provisions are in north-west London, it also oversees supported living and community programming in Manchester.
From now on, its Manchester offering will be run by the Focus Foundation, a local Jewish charity, which already offers supported living and employment and training opportunities for autistic people and those with disabilities.
Richard Franklin, chief executive of Kisharon Langdon, said: “We are proud of the services we have developed in Manchester and of the relationships we have built with the people we support, their families and our dedicated staff. Our long-standing commitment has always been to ensure that services are delivered in the way that best meets the needs of the local community.
“We believe that moving these services to a strong, locally based organisation is the right step for the future. The Focus Foundation shares our values and our belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and independent life. We are confident this transition will build on the excellent foundations already in place and continue to provide the high-quality support that people know and trust.”
Mick Gorton, chief executive of The Focus Foundation, which is rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said: “We are delighted to be welcoming these services into The Focus Foundation and to have the opportunity to support more people across Manchester. Our approach has always been rooted in local delivery, strong community connections and a deep commitment to the people we support and their families.
“We look forward to building on the excellent work already established by Kisharon Langdon and to working closely with staff, families and partners to ensure a smooth and positive transition. Together, we are excited about the people to live full and meaningful lives within their local community.”
The move has been welcomed by the Manchester Jewish Representative Council, with its chair, Mark Adlestone OBE, calling it “an example of clear, progressive, strategic thinking”.
He added: “I am delighted on a personal level and as a donor to both organisations, to see how both The Focus Foundation and Kisharon Langdon have worked together for the benefit of the Manchester Jewish Community, in particular, for those with learning disabilities and autistic people…The Jewish Representative Council welcomes this move as a very positive step for the members of both organisations.”
A spokesperson for Kisharon Langdon said they anticipated “minimal – if any – changes on a day-to-day basis… As the service will be based locally, people we support, families and staff may all find that there are more opportunities to be integrated into the local community.”
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