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Government launches £46m scheme to tackle homelessness and mental ill health
The government has launched a £46m ‘Changing Futures’ scheme, aimed giving the most vulnerable in society access to local support services.
Ministers are inviting local organisations to form partnerships and bid for a share of the funding to better support those who experience multiple disadvantages including homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse and contact with the criminal justice system.
The prospectus for the programme, published today, invites interest from organisations such as councils, health bodies, police, probation services, voluntary and community sector organisation to form local partnerships.
Minister for rough sleeping and housing Kelly Tolhurst said: “This £46m funding will help some of the most vulnerable people in our communities turn their lives around and build a brighter future.
“The Changing Futures programme gives local organisations the flexibility and resources they need to work in partnership to deliver effective support where it is needed most. I look forward to receiving really innovative bids for projects that will make a real difference to so many people’s lives.”
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The programme, announced at the Budget, aims to deliver improvements at the individual, service and system level:
- For individuals, to stabilise and then improve the life situation of adults who face multiple disadvantage
- For services, to better integrate local services to provide a person-centred approach and to reduce demand on reactive services
- For the local system, to test a different approach to funding, accountability and engagement between local commissioners and services, and central government and local areas
David Renard, housing spokesperson for the Local Government Association and leader of Swindon Council, said: “This money will continue to support efforts to help those facing crises such as homelessness, mental health issues or domestic abuse.
“However, as we emerge from the pandemic it is absolutely critical to the national recovery that there is investment in essential local services such as public health, homeless prevention and local welfare support to ensure those experiencing disadvantage are protected and supported and not left behind.”
