Small Supports, big changes: Transforming lives in Leeds

In Leeds, the Small Supports Provision Pilot has shown that even modest changes to how we assist individuals with complicated lives and support needs can spark transformational outcomes.

Read the full report: Evaluation of the Small Supports pilot in Leeds, 2022-2024

The big idea: Starting small

The Small Supports Pilot began in 2022 as a partnership between Leeds City Council, the Integrated Care Board in Leeds, and the Small Supports Partnership. Its goal? To create personalised, community-focused services for individuals who, too often, find themselves caught in impersonal, institutional systems.

Fast forward two years, and the pilot’s success speaks volumes. Nine individuals now live more independent, fulfilled lives, supported by two innovative providers: Unique Support Solutions Ltd (USS) and Mae and Mitchell Bespoke Management (M&M).

Mark, one of the individuals supported through this initiative, captured its essence beautifully:

"They didn’t just help me find a house—they helped me build a life."

This quote reflects the pilot’s approach: co-created support plans, small, dedicated teams, and a commitment to community integration. Mark now thrives in his chosen community, reconnecting with neighbours and old friends.

Why it works

Key to the pilot’s success has been the ethos of personalisation:

• Fostering independence: Individuals decide their daily schedules and long-term goals.
• Building confidence: From managing finances to navigating social activities, tailored services foster self-belief.
• Stable living environments: Partnerships with housing providers ensure secure, suitable homes.

Reframing risk: A culture shift in social support

One of the most transformative aspects of Small Supports is its approach to risk. Traditionally, adult social support systems often focus on mitigating risk by creating overly controlled environments, where individuals’ lives are shaped by fears of what might go wrong.

Small Supports flips this script. Instead of asking, "What risks must we avoid?", providers ask, "What opportunities can we create?" By embracing this shift, the pilot has allowed individuals to take calculated risks that lead to personal growth and fulfilment.

For example, individuals like Anna, who once lived in highly restrictive settings, are now supported to make decisions about their daily lives, whether it’s traveling independently, taking up new hobbies, or forming meaningful relationships. As one provider shared:

"It’s not about ignoring the past, but supporting people to build the future they want, even if that means stepping outside traditional comfort zones."

This approach doesn’t eliminate risk but reframes it as a natural part of growth and autonomy. In doing so, Small Supports challenges the cultural status quo, proving that with the right structures in place, even individuals with the most complicated lives and support needs can thrive.

Challenges and how they were tackled

Of course, the road wasn’t always smooth. Housing availability, financial constraints, and systemic barriers posed challenges. But creative problem-solving, persistent advocacy, and the introduction of contingency funding helped providers overcome these obstacles.

As one provider put it: "Housing is always the hardest part, but we’ve learned to navigate the system better together."

A model for the future

With overall direct service cost savings of nearly £209,000 and a workforce stability rate that defies sector norms, Leeds has set the stage for a bold new approach to support.

For a deeper dive into how Small Supports can transform lives, NDTi’s work in Plymouth offers another inspiring example of this model in action. Read A deep dive into Small Supports in Plymouth here.

Why this matters

Whether you’re a commissioner, a provider, or just someone passionate about transforming support, the Leeds pilot demonstrates how the narrative can shift to delivering services that genuinely work for individuals and communities.

It proves that by thinking small, we can make a big difference, and that reframing risk can lead to the most rewarding outcomes.

Let’s take these lessons and ensure they spark broader change across the UK.