Tristone Healthcare has a rich and diverse business community – one that is united in an ambition to deliver positive social impact, particularly for the vulnerable individuals in their care.
While the majority are also united in having been acquired by the buy-build-and-hold investment group, there’s one company that was formed five years ago by Tristone, growing organically to stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the portfolio.
“In 2019, I was asked to start Dimensions Care with just a name and a logo,” recalls managing director, Wayne Price. Since then, the company has thrived within the Tristone business community, going from strength-to-strength under his leadership, being crowned runner-up in the inaugural Gemstone Awards in 2024 – a recognition that Wayne is particularly proud of.
From within, the company has seen the Tristone business community grow, as more businesses have been acquired and added – itself benefitting from a strengthening business community where sharing best practice is part of the everyday.
“We’re all different businesses with different experiences to share,” explains Wayne. “But we’re all motivated by the same things.”
From a standing start, Dimensions Care has grown into a flourishing children’s services provider – built with the aim of creating the most forward-thinking approach to care.
“At Dimensions Care, our goal is to create a positive and nurturing environment where children can thrive,” explains Wayne.
In a short space of time, it has gone from one children’s residential home to five, with its first crisis and assessment home opening at the end of 2024 and a sixth home due to open in the Spring. Wayne’s ambition is to reach 10 children’s homes, with each aligned to the cornerstone of Dimensions Care – the Dyadic Development Practice (DDP).
This approach guides the team’s daily interactions with the young people under their care, offering valuable support for children who have faced trauma by focusing on building strong relationships. Through principles like PACE – Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy – staff provide the nurturing environment these children need to heal. Their approach emphasises positive parenting, combining structure, routine and love to address underlying emotions rather than just behaviours.
“We believe that with proper support, children can overcome their early traumas and grow into successful adults,” says Wayne.
Over the next 12 months, the company intends to cement its commitment to the DDP model and confirm its status as one of the only providers in the UK to deliver such an effective model of care.
While Dimensions Care is clear on its own direction of travel, there are still many question marks that exist within children’s social care.
“Recruitment is definitely high up on the list of the biggest challenges facing the sector,” admits Wayne. “It’s an ongoing battle to find the right people who not only fit our model, but also fit with our non-negotiable values.
“There are also other factors that we have to consider,” Wayne continues. “The amount of red tape that comes with trying to open a new children’s home – not just from an Ofsted perspective, but in the planning stages as well – is a real issue and significantly slows down the process.
“In addition, there are evolving risks, including social media and the role that plays in facilitating predatorial crimes, such as grooming. It’s essential we stay on top of these to protect the vulnerable young people in our care.”
It’s a complex landscape, fraught with challenges and issues. But it’s a sector and a job that Wayne is very proud to do.
“I love people,” explains Wayne. “And I love seeing the passion from people wanting to care for children in the best way possible and then seeing the positive outcomes that come from that inspirational approach.”
Five years ago the company may have just been a name and a logo, but led by Wayne they have created a nurturing environment where children can truly thrive – and it’s clear to see why.
