Coniston Unit Achieves Headway Approved Provider Status

Coniston Unit at Callands Care Home in Warrington has achieved Headway Approved Provider status, further strengthening its reputation as a leading provider of specialist complex care in Warrington and across the North West.

The achievement follows recent recognition for the service after Coniston Unit was named a finalist in the Complex Care Award category at this year’s Stars of Social Care Awards, highlighting the impact of the team’s work supporting people with highly complex needs.

Headway, the brain injury association, is the UK-wide charity dedicated to improving life after brain injury through specialist support, services and information. Its Approved Provider Scheme was launched in 2010 to recognise providers delivering high standards of care and training for people living with acquired brain injuries and neurological conditions.

The accreditation process is rigorous, involving detailed assessment across six domains and 30 standards, including on-site evaluations, observations and discussions with staff, service users and families where possible.

Coniston Unit, a 19-bedded specialist service within Callands Care Home, provides care and support for male adults with:

• complex and enduring mental health conditions
• organic brain disorders, including dementia or other cognitive impairments where these are secondary to more prominent neurological or mental health conditions
• neuro-disabilities, including acquired brain injuries (ABI), particularly where there are associated behavioural, cognitive or psychological challenges

During the assessment, the service achieved ‘very good’ ratings in key areas including dignity, privacy and care, emotional support, and the management of behaviours that challenge.

Assessors praised the calm and therapeutic atmosphere within the unit, noting how staff support individuals in a way that promotes dignity, independence and emotional wellbeing, even where behavioural needs are highly complex. The report also recognised the team’s proactive and person-centred approach, with emotional support embedded into daily routines and positive behaviour support strategies consistently used to reduce distress and improve outcomes for residents.

Samantha Cooper, Complex Care Manager at Coniston Unit, said:

“We are incredibly proud of the whole team at Coniston Unit. Achieving Headway Approved Provider status is not easy, and gaining this accreditation is an amazing achievement for everyone involved. It reflects the dedication, compassion and specialist knowledge our team brings every single day to support people with complex mental health and neurological needs. We are passionate about continuing to develop in all areas of the service and ensuring we provide the very best care and support possible for the people who live with us.”

The recognition further reinforces Coniston Unit’s position as a trusted provider of specialist brain injury services and complex care in the North West, supporting individuals with complex needs in a safe, respectful and highly supportive environment.

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