The aim of the Changing Futures Programme was to improve the way that local systems and services work for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage, testing whether a more joined-up, person-centred approach in local areas and across government can improve outcomes.
The arrival of Changing Futures built on the success of a tried and tested approach in Essex to supporting individuals with multiple and complex needs. These are namely; Full Circle and Horizons which were also led by Phoenix Futures. Full Circle went live in April 2016 and was commissioned to work with offenders with:
- Substance misuse
- Mental health difficulties
- Learning disabilities, difficulties or challenges
- Any other need that, if left unmet, was likely to increase the risk of reoffending
Phoenix Futures were commissioned to continue and enhance this work by providing intensive, consistent wrap-around support, with a rolling caseload of a maximum of approximately 20 clients per support worker; and coordinates partnership working between agencies to form a multi- agency/MDT approach to address individual needs.
There were also funded projects in districts responding to local need, such as dedicated housing support to sustain tenancies for people experiencing multiple disadvantage. A dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing Team to support clients with mental ill health was also funded, as well as the development of a wide variety of enjoyable and meaningful activities /pursuits for clients to engage in.
Evaluation
ATD Research and Consultancy was commissioned to undertake a detailed local level evaluation of Changing Futures in Essex. This will be in addition to a large-scale national evaluation of Changing Futures across all 15 areas.
Service User Scoping – As part of Changing Futures, Essex County Council and Phoenix Futures explored the views and experiences of the current 'system' from individuals who access services in Essex. These individuals could speak about any part of the system they had accessed. Changing Futures practitioners attended different services including NHS mental health services, drugs services, libraries, wellbeing services and others. As a result, 100 individuals engaged across the county. Those who took part ranged from 18 – 74 years old from a multitude of background. There were three key objectives that the service user scoping aimed to answer.
- In your experience, what are the common barriers to accessing services?
- How does the current system negatively impact people facing multiple and complex needs when moving between services?
- What are the common ways that the current system makes people feel, particularly those facing multiple and complex needs?
Participants were also asked to give their solutions for the barriers to enable those with lived and living experience to shape change. The Service Users scoping outcome is included later in this report.
