24 September 2025, Christ Church, Armley (Leeds)
We gathered with colleagues, partners and the people we support to celebrate one year of the Community Health Wellbeing Service (CHWS) Leeds pilot, a different way of working that prioritises time, continuity and outcomes. As an employee‑owned social enterprise, Be Caring believes that when you value Care Workers’ time and expertise, people receive more consistent, relationship‑centred support, and outcomes improve.
The CHWS Leeds pilot set out to improve the quality and continuity of care, ensuring Care Workers are paid for their full time at work and have the flexibility to deliver support in ways that truly meet individual goals. In practice, that means fewer rushed visits, more continuity of familiar faces, and time to focus on what matters to each person.
We were joined by colleagues from Be Caring and Springfield, Social Work and Commissioning Teams, research partners York Consulting, representatives from the NHS, and the people we support, many of whom shared their experiences with us first‑hand.
Our model of care: valuing time to achieve outcomes
We first introduced block pay in Leeds in 2020 and extended it to all Be Caring homecare services in 2023. Today, we only bid for Local Authority contracts where block pay is viable. This model values colleagues’ full working time (including travel, training and team time), supports continuity of care, and gives colleagues the flexibility to spend time where it has the greatest impact.
As the UK’s largest employee‑owned social care provider, we believe that valuing colleagues’ time and voice creates the conditions for relationship‑centred homecare and better outcomes in local communities.
At the celebration, Kate Sibson, Leeds Adults & Health Commissioning Manager, reflected on the year: improved contact time, happier clients and colleagues, and reduced staff turnover. Together with partners across health and social care, we’re proud of the progress and excited for what comes next.
Voices from People and Colleagues
Heather & Gillian; rebuilding independence after loss
“I’m really pleased I’m with be caring. They’re far better than the people I was with before. I’ve had fantastic carers, this morning has been fantastic. They’re all friendly Gillian for example, she’s amazing she motivated me, I love her to bits. I’m really pleased I made the move, they work really hard to make sure I have the same carers all the time. The ethics are good, what they’re wanting to achieve is excellent. There were a few tiny bumps but any problems are resolved quickly. It’s just been an amazing journey with me, I started in September actually and here I am a year later. I’d love the thank all the carers it’s so lovely seeing them today.” – Heather
Heather’s regular Care Worker, Gillian, shared the journey they’ve taken together:
“It’s been a bit of a journey and it’s taken some work. It’s been hard for Heather when she lost her husband. She told me she wanted to diet to improve her mobility, so I’ve supported her, encouraged her, helped cook healthy meals. It’s improved her mobility and independence. She can now get herself out of bed and shower independently. From next week she’s going to a day centre and I’m proud to say she’s lost 2 and a half stone.” – Gillian, Care Worker
With time and continuity, Heather has regained confidence and independence, thanks to relationship‑centred support.
Michael; safety, dignity and the power of good humour
“I’d like to say a big thank you to all the carers who visit me, they have shown respect to me. Naga, Vicky and my pal Poppy. I thank every one of them who come look after me, we have a joke and a laugh. When Naga puts my eyedrops in I pretend to flake out and she says ‘Michael don’t you do that to me!’ We’re always having a joke. Please keep coming guys, I look forward to it. I had social services out last week who asked why do I want care and I said I like banter and a laugh, it keeps me going. I’m fiercely independent but I lost that when I went into hospital, then they put me in a care home they said it wasn’t safe to live on my own. In the end the OT team said I needed care cause I’d lost my marbles.” – Michael
With input from the Care Assessor and Occupational Therapists, Michael’s home was made safer, including flood detection, so he could return home. Consistent, respectful support (and plenty of banter) now keeps him safe and connected to what matters.
Paula & Poppy; reconnecting with community through creativity
“I was an art teacher for many years, I enjoy painting people’s portraits and I’m planning to paint portraits of my Care Workers. I would say Be Caring is marvellous!” – Paula
Poppy, new to care and recognised with an Above & Beyond award, supported Paula to re‑access the community, including regular sessions at Bramley Life Drawing, a class funded by Leeds City Council. With encouragement, Paula’s back to doing what she loves: art and connection.
Together with partners
None of this is achieved in isolation. The pilot brings together commissioners, social work teams, NHS partners, research partners and providers around a shared focus on time, continuity and outcomes. On the day, colleagues from Be Caring and Springfield, Social Work and Commissioning teams, York Consulting, and the NHS joined the people we support to reflect on progress and learning.
We also celebrated our colleagues – many Care Workers were recognised with awards for their commitment and above‑and‑beyond support, a hallmark of our employee‑owned culture and our block‑pay approach that enables time for what matters.
Looking ahead
Year two of CHWS Leeds will build on the foundations of the first year: valuing colleagues’ time, strengthening continuity, and focusing on the outcomes that matter to each person. We will continue to collaborate with partners and share learning across the sector.
Our thanks to Leeds Adults & Health, Leeds City Council, York Consulting, NHS partners, Springfield, and Christ Church Armley for their support and partnership.