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Real Life Options works jointly with health and local authorities to develop, establish and manage person centred services for people with disabilities and a wide range of special needs. We have extensive experience of multi-agency working, and working as part of project planning teams.

RLO has extensive experience in managing change, working openly and consultatively with service users, staff and all stakeholders. We have managed TUPE transfers with small and larger groups of staff, opened, modernised and transferred numerous services and project-managed complex re-provisions.

We recognise that the development of new services and/or any significant remodelling of an existing service inevitably involves change and that, for many people, change is stressful. RLO's experience teaches us that all stakeholders must be informed of, and involved in proposed new services from the start, and more importantly kept up to date throughout the process of change. This includes service users, staff, funders and the wider network of professionals involved in the service.

Capital schemes
Real Life Options has expertise in designing new build schemes, working with RSL or statutory sector partners and/or using our own consultant architects, quantity surveyors and specialist design staff, including occupational therapists. We understand the planning approval process, registration of residential and nursing care homes, and the legal and practical processes involved in the procurement of property.

Real Life Options has extensive links with both housing associations and banks and we can explore innovative financial packages where traditional routes are not available. We will also evaluate alternative funding models, taking into account the availability of Supporting People Grant, the Independent Living Fund and individual care package funding.

The requirements of the Commission for Social Care Inspection, fire regulations and specialist equipment needs, make project management a specialist task. We have associates nationwide, as well as management consultants and senior managers who have experience in commissioning:

• Independent living units
• Minimum supported housing schemes
• Residential housing
• Residential nursing homes
• Specialist intensive support schemes
• Regional forensic service unit

If you would like to know more about our work, or to talk to someone in your own area please contact Gary Hooper, Head of Business Development or a Head of Operations (see Senior Management page).