Big Sister supports Gemstone Care onto Essex supported living framework

Big Sister has supported Gemstone Care to secure a place on Essex County Council’s AWD Supported Living Framework following its 2025 reopening.

The framework enables Essex County Council to commission supported living services for adults with disabilities from approved providers. Gemstone Care’s appointment creates opportunities to support more people to live independently within their communities while receiving care tailored to their individual needs.

Big Sister worked closely with the Gemstone Care team throughout the tender process, developing a compliant and evidence-led submission that demonstrated the organisation’s experience, service quality and approach to person-centred support.

Jill Hudson, Founder of Big Sister, said: “We are delighted to have helped Gemstone Care secure its place on this important framework. Supported living contracts are highly competitive, and providers must show not only that they can deliver safe and compliant services, but that they genuinely understand independence, choice and outcomes. This is a fantastic result for the whole Gemstone Care team.”

The appointment represents another successful framework result for Big Sister and strengthens Gemstone Care’s position within the supported living market in Essex.