Government funding boosts support for vulnerable people in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent is set to benefit from nearly £2.8 million in government funding as part of the second phase of the Changing Futures programme, commencing in April 2026.

The initiative is dedicated to supporting adults facing a combination of challenges, including homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

Addressing Multiple Disadvantages

The Changing Futures programme represents a strategic effort to enhance the situations of adults experiencing multiple disadvantages.

The programme aims to transform local services to take a person-centred approach, thus reducing crisis demand on facilities such as A&E, police, and adult safeguarding.

By integrating services across housing, health, employment, and substance misuse, the programme will implement new methods of funding, accountability, and engagement, exploring collaborative solutions between local and central government partners.

Government Perspective

Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern underscored the importance of this investment, stating: “Far too many people that are already struggling with homelessness, mental ill health, substance misuse or domestic abuse are being passed through fragmented services and not given the support that they deserve.

“We are investing over £55 million in this new phase of Changing Futures to put a stop to this - bringing support together across 18 areas to make sure that it is joined‑up and delivered at the right time. Changing Futures isn’t just another programme, it’s a smarter, more collaborative way of working that puts people first.”

Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Lord James Timpson, added: “We know that a lack of stable housing, employment and support for addiction are all key drivers of crime - and too often it is offenders who face all these disadvantages at once, leaving them trapped in cycles of crisis and offending.

"This investment is crucial to cutting crime in our communities and delivering punishment that works. By tackling the root causes of offending and giving people the second chance they need, we can help them rebuild their lives and stay on the straight and narrow."

Local Collaboration and Execution

The programme in Stoke-on-Trent will be driven by the City Council’s Adult Social Care team, in collaboration with health services, housing associations, police, criminal justice agencies, and the voluntary sector.

Key to this effort is Experts Citizens, a local community interest company led by individuals with direct experience of multiple disadvantages, specialising in areas such as criminal justice and substance misuse.

Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member of adult social care and all age commissioning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, spoke on the impact of coordinated support: “The award of this funding for the next three years is very good news for many people who find themselves in need of this vital support."

"The fact of the matter is, if adults experience difficulties in getting the coordinated support from local services that they need, this can lead to worsening problems such as greater risk of rough sleeping and ill-health, exploitation or increased reoffending."

Changing Futures, managed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in association with the National Lottery Community Fund, aims to refresh efforts to transform community support in Stoke-on-Trent following successful initiatives over the last five years.

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