Two social care charities have completed a merger to form a £66m charity and will continue using the Choice Support name.
In November 2017, Choice Support and mcch announced that they were starting the process of merging in the face of “unprecedented financial challenges”, although both charities were “financially viable”.
At the time, both charities became subsidiaries of a newly formed charity called Partnership Support Group (PSG).
But today the merged organisation has announced it will continue to trade as Choice Support, which remains a subsidiary of PSG.
Sarah Maguire, chief executive of Choice Support, said: “The name captures the essence of what we do. It is already known nationally and has a reputation for innovation and good quality.”
There were no service closures or cuts to front-line staff as a result of the merger although 26 people were made redundant.
Becomes one of the larger charities
Choice Support said it will now have a turnover of approximately £66m, employing 3,000 staff to support around 2,300 people. This would make it one of the 100 largest charities in the country, according to data compiled for the haysmacintyre / Charity Finance 100 Index, although organisations must have filed three annual returns before they appear on the list.
Previously mcch had an income of just under £30m and Choice Support had an income of around £20m.
Oliver Mills, chair of Choice Support, said: “This merger enables us to consolidate what we already do, and to look to the future with fresh vision and energy.
“All existing services are being maintained and delivered to the highest possible standards, with no cuts.
“At the same time we are embarking on new initiatives to further improve the support we offer, including engaging with the Transforming Care programme, and developing new technology to help people with learning disabilities live more independent lives.”
Maguire said since the merger began the charity has been awarded a £1.7m grant to work in partnership with a CCG and local authority in Yorkshire, to create six new bespoke homes for people who have been living in hospital for years.
The charity is also currently working on a similar project in Nottingham and is working with local authorities across the country to introduce Individual Service Funds.
Choice Support has launched a new brand and website, designed by London-based creative agency Red Stone.
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