Our history

Lifeways was born from an ambition to provide supported living that started by helping just one person live more independently.

We saw steady growth, building our team from supporting our first person to creating several area offices, including bases in Scotland.

We introduced a regional structure across England, Wales and Scotland which led to a further period of growth.

We received an investment of £5m from Nomura.

The Personalisation Agenda was introduced by the Government, giving people choice and control over the shape of their support in care settings.

In 2008 we acquired Kentwood Limited and in 2009 we aquired Clover Care and Home Support.

We acquired Highbourne Care Ltd and Autism Solutions Ltd.

Award Win: We were named Specialist Care Provider of the Year at the Health Investor Awards.

We undertook several new acquisitions - ILA, NNL, Inclusion Holdings Ltd., SLC group, Support Options and Oaklands.

Award Wins: Lifeways was ranked number one in the Laing Bussion’s Top 20 Healthcare Companies, and our CEO was voted Entrepreneur of the Year at Laing Buisson Specialist Care Awards.

Secondary Management buy-out backed by OMERS.

We acquired Orchard and Haven.

Our first three purpose-built flat schemes opened in Blackburn, St. Helen’s and Liverpool.

We undertook several new acquisitions - FHC, Rose, Integra Care, SIL and Care Solutions Group.

We acquired Autism Care UK along with Care UK”s learning disability division which we rebranded as Living Ambitions.

We opened 14 purpose-built flat schemes and launched our inclusive recruitment toolkit, developed by the people we support.

Award Wins: Moorgate Mill won Best Supported Living Service at the Laing Buisson Specialist Care Awards, and we were named Specialist Care Provider of the Year by Health Investor Magazine.

We acquired Brighton and Sussex Care and Key Hills Park, and SIL opened four new schemes to support people with their mental health recovery. Twenty-two purpose-built flat schemes opened, along with three new complex care locations.

We launched a new employee engagement programme.

Award Wins: Living Ambitions in Aberdeen won BILD Positive Behaviour Support Award, and Future Home Care retained its Gold Investors in People accreditation.

We opened 40 new flat schemes, two complex care locations, and SIL also opened two new schemes.

Justin Tydeman joined Lifeways in April 2018 and was appointed to the Board as Chief Executive Officer in June 2018. Charles Coney was appointed Chief Operating Officer and Sue Ayton was appointed Business Development Director.

We opened 22 new locations.

We developed and implemented a Support Worker learning pathway and implemented MyLifeways Learning - a learning system hosting a blend of learning objects for all staff, any time, any place, on any device with an average of 27,500 completions per month.

Award Wins: Awarded the National Apprenticeship Award (listed on the prestigious Centrica Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list).

Nicola Forshaw was appointed Group Services Director.

We opened 7 new locations.

Our Care Inspectorate rating for good and above was 100% in Wales, and 92.3% in Scotland.

We delivered 15 roadshows across the Group for National Apprentice Week and as a result saw 241 additional applications for qualifications.

Award Wins: Whitwood Hall was awarded the Dignity in Care Award.

Colman Moher became Chief Financial Officer.

We celebrated our 25th anniversary of providing life-changing support.

Our Care Inspectorate rating for good and above was 100% in Wales, and 92.3% in Scotland.

Award Wins: Abbeymoor Neurological Centre was awarded a high commendation for Infection, Prevention and Control at the Care Home Awards 2021.

Andrea Kinkade appointed Chief Executive Officer.

Kieron Steele appointed Chief Financial Officer.

Gareth Roberts appointed Director of Quality.

Karen Jones, appointed Managing Director, Residential Operations.

Amy Gilbert, appointed Managing Director, Supported Living Operations.

Mark Spraggs, appointed Managing Director, Mental Health.

Andy Ferrington appointed Chief Information Officer.

Amanda Brooke appointed Chief Transformation Officer.

We became a Founding Patron of the Championing Social Care initiative.

James Westwood-Beere appointed Chief People Officer

Chris Woodhead appointed Chief Commercial Officer