I have been asked to provide a reference for Beam support services, which I am happy to do. I have been working alongside Beam support since one of my young people started residing in one of the companies care homes in February 2019.

My young person has complex needs. She has emotional dysregulation, problems with behavioural conduct and substance misuse. My young person experienced a number of placement breakdowns before she was accommodated by Beam services. My young person has now been at Beam for over two years. This is the longest placement my young person has ever had.

My young person has managed to build positive relationships with staff and whilst it has not always been plain sailing, the placement has stuck by the young person and supported her through all her highs and lows. Her behaviour has definitely improved over time, she is less confrontational; and will contact staff when she is out of placement to let staff know that she is safe.

Staff have a good understanding of the missing person’s procedure and their communication with children services is also very good. I regularly receive email updates and summaries of the young person’s progress in placement; and staff have always attended meetings that I have arranged. I have enjoyed working with Beam and I thank them for all the support they have provided to my young person over the years, I feel it has made a real difference to her life and provided her with a sense of stability which she had not had before

We have a number of young people living in Beams supported living houses. The staff are very helpful and took the initiative to support the young people with their appointments and to get settled locally when they arrive. Also, we have found the staff to be responsive and easy to contact. The young people are provided with their own reasonably sized rooms with access to a TV, fridge, Wi-Fi and Netflix access which helped during the Covid lock down. The rest of the shared areas are nice and well maintained and the kitchens are fully equipped.

I want to acknowledge with you the good work you and your staff have completed with my young person throughout her placement at Beam Support. My young person has been provided with consistent daily support to encourage her to attend and access, Education, Training, Employment, GP, Dental, Optical and specialist appointments. I have been particularly impressed with your staff’s ability to go the extra mile even when they are consistently challenged. Your commitment to supporting my young person attain positive outcomes has underpinned the foundation of her care plan.