Published Wednesday 17 August 2022 at 17:23
A programme to help vulnerable adults in Blackburn with Darwen and across Lancashire has been visited by the interim Minister for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, Paul Scully MP.
The programme was chosen for the visit to highlight the important work it carries out with people struggling with a range of challenges including homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health issues.
Co-ordinated by Blackburn with Darwen Council on behalf of partners across Lancashire, Changing Futures is a joint initiative by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Red Rose and The National Lottery Community Fund.
It works with people to stabilise and then improve the life situation of adults who are facing multiple disadvantages. This includes combinations of homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse and contact with the criminal justice system.
During his visit to the team which was meeting in Accrington, the Minister observed a Changing Futures multi agency team discussion in action and a focus group with front line workers and clients of the programme.
Mark Warren, the Council’s Strategic Director of Adults and Health, said:
The work the Changing Futures team does is massively important and makes a real difference to the lives of the people involved. It can really help to turn people’s lives round for the better and the team is dedicated to this, which is one of the reasons we were chosen for this visit.
It is a crucial part of the work we are doing to help reduce inequalities and improve health in the borough, and it is encouraging that this has been recognised by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the minister.