A Cheshire charity that supports people with learning difficulties has joined social care charity Choice Support to create a more “robust presence” in the North West.

The Lady Verdin Trust will retain its identity and continue as a seperate charity. However two trustees will join the board of Choice Support, while two trustees from Choice Support will join the Lady Verdin Trust board.

Chris Chennel, chief executive of Lady Verdin Trust, said: “Partnering with a bigger organisation like Choice Support is an opportunity for Lady Verdin Trust to continue and extend its work from a secure base. Although both organisations are in good financial shape, these are challenging times for support providers. By merging we become stronger together, which is good for everyone – the people we support, our staff, and commissioners.”

Chennell said that the members of Choice Support will elect the trustees for Lady Verdin Trust’s board.

Steven Rose (pictured), chief executive of Choice Support, said: “Choice Support is seeking partnerships with like-minded organisations, and Lady Verdin Trust is a perfect fit.

“We share the same values and goals, and both organisations can learn from each other. We already have services in Stockport and Congleton, so teaming up creates a bigger, more robust presence in the North West, with economies of scale that will ensure that services can continue to thrive.”

The partnership will not result in any staff redundancies at neither Choice Support nor Lady Verdin Trust.  

Choice Support, which employs around 2000 staff, had an income last year of £33.9m. As part of its group, Choice Support has a wholly owned subsidiary Choice Consultancy Services Limited and owns a charitable company The Blue River Project.

The Lady Verdin Trust is one of the largest care providers in South Cheshire, employing more than 160 staff. It had an income last year of £2.4m.