A care service in Ardrossan for vulnerable adults has been given top marks in a performance report by a watchdog body.

Touchbase provides support for people with learning and physical disabilities - including loss of hearing and sight - in their own homes.

Though based in a centre in Princes Street, help is given to people who live throughout North Ayrshire.

A three day investigation by the Care Inspectorate found that the 24 people using the service each day were treated with 'compassion, dignity and respect.'

Touchbase was given marks of 'very good" in six key categories including health and wellbeing, leadership and improvement.

The Care Inspectorate report added:" People received reliable and consistent support from a staff team with whom they had positive trusting and caring relationships

"Family members felt involved and well informed, telling us they were very satisfied with care and support provided.

"Leaders were knowledgeable about aspects of the service which required improvement."

A number of relatives spoken to by the Care Inspectorate also praised the Touchbase service.

One commented "We weren't sure what to expect when support started, we were a little anxious about it, but the service has given him a life."

Another family member added:"Some days he just can't cope with what is going on and staff are fantastic with him and manage this, by going at his pace."

The Care Inspectorate said staff also demonstrated a very good knowledge of people's likes, dislikes and what was important to them

Their report added:"This enabled effective support when people were upset, anxious or needed reassurance and encouragement.

"We saw they were supported to widen their friendship groups, get the most out of life and develop their skills.

"This enabled people to build confidence and celebrate their successes."

The Care Inspectorate said Touch base would however benefit, in the future, from streamlining and simplifying their medication recording process to make it is as efficient as possible.

Sense Scotland’s Director of Operations, Brian Murphy, said,“We are delighted with the recent TouchBase Ayrshire Care Inspectorate inspection report, and it’s testament to the team who provide such high quality care and support to individuals and their families.

"We are especially pleased that their hard work and dedication has been recognised now, given the Covid challenges of the past couple of years and the ongoing difficulties in the social care sector.”

TouchBase, which is run by the charity Sense Scotland, opened its doors in the town in 2017.