Community to benefit from more joined-up adult social care services
From 1 September 2026, responsibility for the Mental Health Supported Accommodation Service and Community Reablement Service moved to Gloucestershire County Council.
The move follows the transfer of the Mental Health Social Work Service in June and Occupational Therapy services in August. Together, these changes complete the plans approved by the council's Cabinet in July 2025 to bring a number of adult social care services back under direct council management as part of a wider programme to strengthen services for Gloucestershire residents.
The services have been delivered previously by Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (GHC) over many years, and both organisations have worked closely together throughout the transition to ensure continuity of support for residents. The transfer enables council-funded adult social care services to work more closely together, use shared systems and strengthen coordination across teams. This is expected to reduce duplication, improve oversight and support people to receive the right support at the right time.
An expanded Community Reablement Service will play a key role in the council's approach to prevention and early intervention. Reablement is a free, short-term service that helps people regain confidence and independence following illness, injury, a deterioration in health or a hospital stay. Delivered in partnership with specialist local community reablement providers, the service will support more people across Gloucestershire to recover, remain independent for longer and stay connected to their communities, helping to reduce the need for more intensive care and support.
The Mental Health Supported Accommodation Service plays an important role in helping people with mental health needs live as independently as possible, with support tailored to their individual circumstances. Bringing the service closer to other adult social care teams will support a more coordinated approach and help ensure people experience seamless support across different services.
For residents, there will be no change to the support they currently receive. Services will continue as normal, and Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust have worked closely together to ensure a smooth transition. People already receiving support do not need to take any action.
Cllr Dr Kate Usmar, cabinet member for Adults' Support and Independence at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Bringing these services into Gloucestershire County Council completes an important programme to strengthen adult social care for local people.
"By bringing Mental Health Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Supported Accommodation and Reablement services into the council, we can provide more joined-up support, improve how teams work together and make it easier for people to get the help they need.
"Whether someone needs support with their mental health, help to regain their independence after illness, or support to live well at home for longer, we want services to work seamlessly around them.
"Most importantly, residents can be reassured that services will continue as normal, delivered by the same dedicated staff who make such a difference every day."
The transfers form part of a wider adult social care improvement programme designed to strengthen oversight of statutory services, improve integration across teams and support better outcomes for Gloucestershire residents. The programme supports the council's ambition to place greater emphasis on prevention, early intervention and helping people to maintain their independence and wellbeing for as long as possible.