Vulnerable adults with complex needs will be supported to change
their lives with over £10m in funding through the Changing
Futures programme.
Ten local area partnerships across England will receive a share
of up to £10.7 million: Bristol, Greater Manchester, Lancashire,
Nottingham, Plymouth, Sheffield, South Tees, Stoke, Surrey, and
Westminster.
Funds will provide world class support services for some of the
most vulnerable on society, such as those experiencing
homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic
abuse and contact with the criminal justice system.
All Changing Futures areas are focused on driving lasting system
change, providing long-term, joined-up support and ensuring a
lasting legacy for their approach locally.
Since the programme first launched in July 2021, 15 pilot areas
in England have been able to boost frontline services and
directly supported over 2,500 people. All 15 areas will now
continue their work under the programme until March 2025.
The Changing Futures programme is a £77 million joint funded
initiative between Government and The National Lottery Community
Fund, the largest community funder in the UK.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, , said:
The Changing Futures programme is already making a big difference
to thousands of lives across the country, supporting some of our
most vulnerable people.
The additional funding announced today will further support local
areas and I look forward to seeing the long-lasting positive
impact this will have on peoples’ lives.
This funding builds on The National Lottery Community Fund’s
‘Fulfilling Lives’ programme – a £112 million investment over 8
years (2014-2022) that focused on improving support for
vulnerable people, by giving them a greater voice in the design
and delivery of services.
David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community
Fund, said:
We’re delighted to continue our partnership with the Department
for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities by making an additional
£3.68 million investment into the Changing Futures programme.
Having been a joint funder of this programme since 2021, we have
seen first-hand how it has helped people facing adversity -
providing tools and support so they can make positive changes in
their lives.
Thanks to National Lottery players we can continue to fund
important programmes like this that serve to strengthen
communities and improve lives, which is at the heart of our new
2030 strategy, ‘It starts with community’.
Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, said:
This additional funding will enable us to expand the programme in
Sheffield so that we can support more people experiencing
multiple disadvantage, whilst continuing to work together and
share further learning both locally and nationally.
I am thrilled about the announcement which guarantees our
Changing Futures programme for another year.
The programme is a great example of our values in action at
Sheffield City Council; putting people at the heart of what we
do, being honest and transparent about what needs to improve and
working collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
Case study from the Changing Futures programme:
- Adam was sleeping rough in Blackburn and was known to police
for his anti-social behaviour. His use of drug and alcohol was
severe, and he’d also been the victim of violent crime whilst
rough sleeping.
- Changing Futures workers contacted Adam daily, building
a relationship and engagement by focusing on Adam’s priorities.
- Adam is now feeling more positive, has vastly reduced his
drug use and has become more responsible for his own finances. He
has a safe space to call home that comes with wider support and
is now part of a recovery group helping him on his journey. Adam
hopes to volunteer in the future and wants to be considered as a
peer mentor when he is free from substances and ready to help
others.
Additional info:
- The allocation of these funds to Changing Futures
partnerships comes following the government’s investment in April
2023 of a further £7m for local areas involved in the programme
to sustain their approaches.
- Up to £3.68m of additional funding has now also been provided
by The National Lottery Community Fund, bringing the total
sustainability fund available for local areas to almost £10.7m.
