Lewisham Care Provider Slashed to Special Measures in Shocking CQC Report
From ‘Good’ To Grim: Three C’s Support Under Fire
Once praised as “good” in 2019, Three C’s Support on Childers Street, Lewisham, has been slammed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for delivering dangerously poor care. Their latest inspection, published on January 8, revealed catastrophic failures affecting vulnerable young people and adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
The damning report highlights major breaches across five key areas: personalised care, safeguarding, staffing, dignity and respect, and governance. Despite merging with Choice Support in April 2024, the problems date back years. With services spanning five London boroughs – Hackney, Lewisham, Greenwich, Merton, and Newham – consistent care and safety standards are nowhere in sight.
Management Meltdown and Staff Struggles
- Leadership Letdown: Care bosses labelled “poor and inconsistent,” failing to supervise or uphold safeguarding duties properly.
- Demoralised Staff: Chronic understaffing and a lack of support have left workers overwhelmed and dispirited.
- Inadequate Training: Staff lacked proper induction and ongoing supervision, jeopardising care quality.
- Let-Down Service Users: Arbitrary restrictions and a lack of meaningful activities, with relatives complaining staff “don’t seem to stay.”
Filthy Homes and Shoddy Paperwork
The inspection uncovered mixed cleanliness across properties, with some posing serious health risks. Record-keeping was sloppy, and poor collaboration with health and social care agencies risked leaving vulnerable clients in the lurch.
Will New Plans Fix The Crisis?
The provider has launched a detailed improvement programme and voluntarily suspended services in one borough. However, critical safety and quality changes aren’t yet in place. As a result, Three C’s Support has been plunged into special measures.
“Special measures provide a framework for enforcement and a strict timeframe to improve inadequate care,” the CQC warned.
This brutal verdict sends a clear message: urgent action is needed to protect some of London’s most vulnerable residents from harm.
