A crucial service dedicated to supporting children and young people with learning disabilities and autism in Birmingham and Solihull is set to expand, thanks to new funding secured by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT).
The Trust has been awarded £380,000 to enhance its specialist Disability Intensive Care Enhanced (DICE) service. This funding, allocated for 18 months, will allow the Children and Young People’s division—Forward Thinking Birmingham—to increase staffing levels and extend the reach of DICE.
DICE focuses on preventing unnecessary psychiatric hospital admissions by offering intensive community-based interventions for young people at risk. The service typically works with children and families for around 12 weeks, collaborating closely with their professional support networks to improve crisis response and facilitate safe discharge when hospital stays do occur.
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Recent data revealed over 200 children with learning disabilities or autism were hospitalized across England at the end of 2024, with Birmingham experiencing higher than expected admission rates. Expanding DICE aims to address this issue by providing timely, enhanced support within the community.
The additional funding will enable DICE to bolster its team with extra nursing staff, allied health professionals, peer support workers, and clinical support personnel. This growth will allow the service to reach more young people and engage proactively with various teams across the Children and Young People’s Division.
Louise Bull-Tyagi, Lead Nurse for Learning Disabilities and DICE, commented, “Securing this investment is a significant step forward for families in Birmingham. Expanding DICE means we can deliver the right support at the right time, helping to prevent avoidable hospital stays.”
She added, “This funding allows us to strengthen our multidisciplinary approach, working hand in hand with families, schools, and community services to intervene early, reduce crises, and improve long-term outcomes for young people living with learning disabilities and autism.”
The expansion aligns with the NHS Long Term Plan’s commitment to increasing investment in intensive and crisis community support for individuals with learning disabilities and autism, ensuring more responsive and effective care within local communities.