A additional £14.8 million funding injection has been allocated to 15 local area partnerships across England to support vulnerable people experiencing multiple disadvantages through the Changing Futures programme.
Since its launch in 2020 under the Conservative Party, the programme has been credited with halving rough sleeping, easing pressure on emergency services such as A&E, and significantly improving health, wellbeing, and safety for those at risk of homelessness and abuse.
The initiative has provided thousands of people with stable housing, better access to healthcare, and vital support networks.
One participant, whose life has been transformed by the programme, said: “I was the number one presenter at two hospitals due to the experience I’ve had. I’m completely different now. Over the last four months, I’ve not been to hospital.”
The programme, which is run as a partnership between The National Lottery Community Fund and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has received this latest round of funding following a report highlighting its effectiveness. The additional £14.8 million will ensure that local organisations can continue to provide crucial, coordinated support to those in need, reinforcing the National Lottery Community Fund’s commitment to stronger, healthier communities.
A Person-Centred Approach to Tackling Homelessness
The Changing Futures programme focuses on tailored, person-centred support, placing an emphasis on listening to participants and responding to their individual needs. One beneficiary highlighted the importance of having a committed caseworker: “My caseworker just doesn’t give up. Before, they would just pass us from pillar to post and wouldn’t change anything. My caseworker knows when you’re ready for support and helps me access it.”
David Knott, Chief Executive Officer of The National Lottery Community Fund, praised the initiative: “The Changing Futures programme has made an incredible difference since its inception, with 15 local partnerships providing vital support to improve the lives of people in England experiencing multiple disadvantages. Rough sleeping has halved for people supported by the programme, average A&E attendance has fallen by a third, and more than a third of people feel better able to cope without misusing substances.”
He added: “This renewed commitment shows our focus on supporting the areas of greatest need, meeting communities where they are, as they are, and helping them to tackle poverty, disadvantage, and discrimination.”
A Proven Track Record of Success
Building on the success of the former Fulfilling Lives programme, Changing Futures has provided direct support to over 4,000 people facing homelessness, substance abuse, domestic abuse, mental health challenges, and contact with the criminal justice system.
The new £14.8 million funding boost will be distributed among 15 local area partnerships in Bristol, Essex, Greater Manchester, Kingston upon Hull, Lancashire, Leicester, Nottingham, Northumbria, Plymouth, Sheffield, South Tees, Stoke-on-Trent, Surrey, Sussex, and Westminster.
This initiative is part of a £91.8 million joint funding effort between The National Lottery Community Fund and the UK Government, ensuring that Britain’s most vulnerable individuals receive the targeted, sustained support they need.
Investing in People, Strengthening Communities
The Changing Futures programme is a proven success story, demonstrating the real-world impact of investment in targeted social initiatives.
Thanks to National Lottery players, who raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK, this programme has been able to make a tangible difference. In 2023 alone, The National Lottery Community Fund distributed over £615.4 million in life-changing funding to communities across the country.
As new applications for the Changing Futures programme are now closed, the focus remains on ensuring that the current partnerships continue their vital work until March 2026, further reinforcing the commitment to ending rough sleeping and transforming lives.
Figures correct from 2020 to February 2024, from the Evaluation of the Changing Futures programme report.
