Service for elderly and disabled aims to take on more workers

At a time when the public finances are being squeezed, CASA Leeds has been established to provide support services for elderly and disabled people.

Under the CASA business model, franchise companies are set up as employee share-ownership enterprises.

It allows employees to benefit from the franchise company’s success by receiving free shares.

A proportion of the profits are then ploughed back into the franchise company, which allows it to spend more on activities such as staff development and training.

CASA Leeds opened its office at Hillside, Beeston Road earlier this summer after securing a contract with Leeds City Council to provide care in the home for older and disabled people and vulnerable residents under its Community Home Care Support Framework Agreement. So far, CASA Leeds has taken on 20 staff, and a further 50 are expected to be hired before the end of the year.

It has since expanded its services to help private clients who are keen to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

Dr Guy Turnbull, CASA’s business development director, said, “Our Leeds branch has really hit the ground running. Not only is there considerable demand for and appreciation of the services we offer but there is an excellent workforce of caring and committed people.”

CASA (Care and Share Associates) was founded in the North East. The company has established similar employee-owned franchise companies in North Tyneside, Newcastle, Manchester, Halifax and Knowsley in Merseyside.

CASA Leeds works in partnership with other agencies including Job Centre Plus and Real Time Training to provide jobs and training for local people.

CASA Leeds is hosting a policy seminar involving Leeds City Council, the Department of Health, and other social enterprise providers to coincide with its official launch today.

Bob Ricketts, the Department of Health’s director of provider development, said: “I am delighted to be attending the launch of the Leeds branch of CASA.

“The work being done here is another fantastic example of how staff-led social enterprises are bringing real benefits to their communities by delivering innovative new services which focus on the specific health and care needs of their local population.”

Roberta Roccella, the manager, said: “The participation of senior figures from both the Department of Health, and Leeds City Council, illustrates the level of policy interest in health and social care social enterprises.”