The National Lottery Community Fund has expanded its partnership with the UK Government and will provide an additional £18m to its Changing Futures programme.
The Changing Future Programme invites local organisations to build connections to better support those who experience multiple difficulties such as homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system.
Those targeted by the programme tend to be the most vulnerable in society, facing entrenched disadvantage and trauma. Getting coordinated support from local services can be difficult, which can lead to a greater risk of homelessness, ill health, and increased contact with the criminal justice system, and result in higher demand for local response services.
On top of the government’s £46m investment in the programme, the additional funding takes the total scheme to £64m. This will extend the support available to three years and allow for a more effective, joined-up service from local organisations.
Last year, the government invited local partnerships to bid to take part in the Changing Futures programme and establish new support systems for vulnerable people. 21 areas have been shortlisted for the next selection round and will now submit their proposals for a wider support service in their regions.
National Lottery Community Fund interim CEO John Rose said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government Changing Futures programme through an additional investment of £17.9m.
“Through our Fulfilling Lives programme in England, we have seen people who have lived experience come together in partnerships with communities to develop new approaches which can better support adults facing multiple disadvantages.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, £30m is raised every week for the UK’s good causes, and £41bn has been distributed to 565,000 good causes across the UK since 1994.”
Throughout 2020, the National Lottery Community Fund distributed more than £650m to communities across the UK thanks to lottery player spend.