Vulnerable adults in Stoke-on-Trent to be given tailored support in government programme
Stoke-on-Trent is one of 15 areas selected to be part of the programme
Vulnerable adults in Stoke-on-Trent facing issues such as homelessness, substance misuse or mental health difficulties will receive tailored, joined-up support as part of a new government programme launching today, Saturday 17 July, Minister for Rough Sleeping and Homelessness, Eddie Hughes announced.
The Changing Futures programme – a joint partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund - helps the most vulnerable in society get the support they need by co-ordinating local services, such as healthcare professionals, social workers and key workers, to provide joined up support.
It is aimed at helping vulnerable adults experiencing multiple disadvantages including, domestic abuse, job loss, or contact with the criminal justice system. Many of the vulnerable adults eligible for support from the programme also experience physical ill-health and disability, learning disabilities and lack of family or support networks.
Stoke-on-Trent is one of 15 areas selected to be part of the £64 million programme and will receive £3.9 million over the next three years. Each local area will take a ‘person centred’ approach to tailor support programmes to each individual and their circumstances.
Stoke-on-Trent was previously part of the ‘Fulfilling Lives’ programme, and the funding announced today will enable this work to continue. Examples of what the money will be spent on include:
• Creating a multidisciplinary case coordinators team who will give extra support to people experiencing multiple disadvantage, and break through barriers that individuals cannot resolve by themselves.
• A Homeless Health Hub which will ensure that people who are not registered or cannot access primary health settings can get their health needs met.
• Additional resources for clinical psychology, social care and advice, enhancing access to specialist services. making sure that people experiencing multiple disadvantage get support.
Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, Eddie Hughes said:
“It is vital that vulnerable people in Stoke-on-Trent and around the country get the tailored support they need to rebuild their lives to help them fulfil their potential.
“Our ground-breaking programme with The National Lottery Community Fund will help the most vulnerable in our society, giving them the tools they need to turn their lives around.
“By providing specialist support we can create long-lasting change, helping these people reach their full potential and build a brighter future.”
Blondel Cluff CBE, Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said:
“The National Lottery-funded Fulfilling Lives programme demonstrated clearly how vulnerable people facing multiple disadvantage can play an active role in shaping the support services they rely upon, positively impacting their own lives and those of the local communities of which they are a part.
“We are delighted to align and collaborate with Government on this important, shared objective through this new jointly-funded programme, that will support some of the most vulnerable members of our society to use their voices to help design and deliver the services they need, so that they and their communities can thrive together.”
A number of areas who have been selected for the Changing Futures programme have also received funding from the Fulfilling Lives programme, a £112 million National Lottery Community Fund that focuses on improving support for vulnerable people. The Changing Futures Programme will benefit from these areas’ existing experience and learning, and this will be shared with local area partnerships who are earlier in their development.