Nottingham has been awarded over £3.5 million in funding to help support some of the most disadvantaged people in the city.
The Changing Futures programme is a £64 million joint initiative by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.
The fund is for local organisations to work in partnership to better support those who experience multiple disadvantage, including homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system.
Supporting those facing multiple disadvantage
The Changing Futures grant awarded to Nottingham, will build on the positive work already being delivered in the city to support those facing multiple disadvantage. The successful bid follows an application led by the Nottingham City Integrated Care Partnership (ICP), in partnership with many organisations including Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Opportunity Nottingham; an organisation that closes in June 2022, but will see key aspects of its work in supporting those facing multiple disadvantage in Nottingham continue under the new funding. People experiencing multiple disadvantage within the city were also involved in the bid, providing their views on how services can be improved to ensure better outcomes for people facing very challenging circumstances in their lives.
Nottingham has the eighth highest prevalence of multiple disadvantage in England. A strategic priority of the Nottingham City Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) is to support people who face multiple disadvantage to live longer and healthier lives.
How the funding will help
The grant will fund a specialist team, with links to key services including housing, probation, mental health services, and Social Workers. A key focus will be on building a sustainable City Partnership; delivering integrated support for people facing multiple disadvantage in the city, via a cost effective, connected and person-centred system.
Lee, an Expert Citizen from Opportunity Nottingham, was involved in the bid, and reflects on what the funding will mean for those who are currently, or may go on to face some of the difficult challenges he has faced, saying, “With Opportunity Nottingham we have learnt so much, and really fought for support for people facing multiple disadvantage in Nottingham. Winning the Changing Futures bid will mean that this support – which is massively needed – can continue. The future looks bright!”
The impact of the funding will be felt immediately within the city, with a core delivery team structure already developed, and transition into new roles to commence during the summer.
