Ludlow Street Healthcare and Holmleigh Care have launched under a new group brand, Iris Care Group, following their merger in 2021.

The combined group will have a total of nearly 1,600 staff supporting almost 450 individuals across more than 50 sites. The group's central support services will be split between its Cardiff Head Office and its existing Gloucester administration centre.

Both organisations are experts in providing care and therapeutic support for individuals with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs, they specialise in providing support for people with complex needs and behaviours.

Ludlow Street Healthcare has supported and cared for over 800 people for nearly 20 years. It has worked in partnership with the NHS, developing services and investing in the necessary health infrastructure and staff training, to support patients through their range of specialist services.

Holmleigh Care was founded in 2000 and provides essential residential care, supported living and domiciliary care services to adults with learning disabilities, mental health issues and neurodegenerative conditions. Holmleigh provides 31 services across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Swindon and Worcestershire.

With an expanded range of complementary services, the Iris Care Group will be able to offer the people it supports more comprehensive care and rehabilitation solutions. The group's new service will offer individuals a seamless journey back into the community, along with greater opportunities to improve their quality of life and regain their independence.

Drawing on the experience and past successes of both organisations, Iris Care Group will continue to focus on delivering high quality, personalised and safe care that treats everyone with dignity; supporting individuals to lead happy, healthy lives.

Iris Care Group is now looking to grow its workforce and has many new opportunities available across the group.

Additionally, the group has strengthened its operational structure to support its ambitious plans by making key appointments, including appointing Peter Kinsey as group Chair and Chief Executive. Peter is a well-known and respected senior figure in the sector and has more than 37 years' experience in health and social care. He has been a local authority strategic commissioner, a Director of Mental Health Services in the NHS and spent 13 years as Chief Executive of CMG and more recently, Achieve Together.

Peter Kinsey, chair and chief executive, Iris Care Group, commented: "Iris Care Group has been created to help us better deliver on our mission to put the people we support at the heart of everything we do. Providing the highest standard of care is the most important consideration for us in the merged group. We are also committed to ensuring the people we care for and our staff feel valued and respected.

"We are already one of the leading specialist care providers in England and Wales. As Iris Care Group, we will look to grow further to support even more people with complex needs who urgently need the specialist care we can offer. We also look forward to welcoming more colleagues to our business to help us on our journey."