Chrysalis Cumbria

Chrysalis Cumbria

Chrysalis (Cumbria) Limited is a long-standing charitable social care provider based in North Cumbria. The organisation focuses on providing personalised and flexible support for adults with learning disabilities, aiming to enrich their lives through a wide range of social, educational, and vocational activities.

Who We Are

Chrysalis operates as a community-anchored support provider, functioning across North Cumbria and parts of West Cumbria, including Carlisle and Wigton.

Headquartered in Wigton (Leaside), the organisation is known for its "no one size fits all" philosophy. Their model is built on providing bespoke support plans that adapt to the changing aspirations of the individual. They are recognized for their longevity—having served the local community for over 40 years—and their commitment to creating a "special place to work" for a team of skilled support professionals.

They pride themselves on their Social Enterprise model, notably through Chrysalis Wholefoods, a retail shop in Wigton that serves as both a community asset and a real-world training ground for the individuals they support.

What We Do

Day Opportunities & Social Clubs

Providing a diverse curriculum of activities, including creative arts, photography, sensory experiences, and sports such as football, swimming, and sailing.

Supported Living (24/7)

Delivering around-the-clock support for individuals living in their own homes, focusing on maintaining safety while maximising personal autonomy.

Employability & Work Experience

Offering structured vocational opportunities through their social enterprise (Chrysalis Wholefoods) and other local partnerships to help individuals gain meaningful skills and qualifications.

Outreach & Community Support

Facilitating community integration through walking groups, cycling, horticulture, and organised day trips or holidays.

Independent Living Skills

Coaching individuals on essential life skills—such as cooking, budgeting, and travel training—to empower them to lead more independent lives.

Intensive & Complex Support

Providing specialist 1:1 or 2:1 support for individuals with profound and complex needs, utilising techniques like intensive interaction and positive behavioural support.

Approach & Values

Chrysalis Cumbria focuses on Individuality, Empowerment, and Flexibility.

They prioritise Person-Centred Outcomes, working directly with service users, families, and social workers to craft support plans that reflect personal interests rather than generic schedules. Their approach is designed to evolve; they frequently review their leisure and educational offerings to ensure they remain relevant and engaging for a modern audience.

A strong emphasis is placed on "Enriching Lives," moving beyond the basic "care" model to ensure that every individual has the chance to explore hobbies, build friendships, and contribute to their local community.

Industry Role

Chrysalis plays a pivotal role in the Cumbrian social care landscape, acting as a primary partner for Cumberland Council and regional health trusts.

As a dedicated non-profit specialist, the organisation contributes to the regional "Adult Social Care" strategy by providing high-quality day services that reduce social isolation. They act as a strategic advisor for families navigating the transition into adult services, providing clarity on direct payments and private funding options.

They offer a stable and imaginative care solution, making them a preferred choice for families in the Wigton and Carlisle areas who seek a provider that treats social care as a platform for personal growth and community connection.