Too often people with multiple needs are denied the support they need. They may be labelled as too high risk to work with, ‘hard to reach’ or the extreme poverty and difficulties they find themselves in may be viewed as ‘life-style choices’.

It is possible to engage with and help those with the most complex and entrenched needs. What is more they make the most progress. Key to this is a person centred and individualised support approach. People’s pathways of progress and recovery are different, relapses and setbacks are part of this pathway.

It is essential that services acknowledge and accommodate this reality rather than punish it by excluding people or closing cases. Some people will take longer than others to make progress.

People with multiple needs are diverse and should not be seen as a uniform group. It is vital that those designing services recognise this and take steps to understand their potential service users in detail.

People’s needs are interrelated and not mutually exclusive. Homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill-health, reoffending and domestic abuse often affect the same people. Individually these are all challenging issues, together they create a level of complexity that can be difficult to address.

It is crucial that these issues are tackled together, holistically, and not separately. Systems must be fit for purpose and the voice of Lived Experience is essential in ensuring this.

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Current Projects

Liaison
and Diversion

Aiming to target individuals facing multiple disadvantage within the Criminal Justice setting.

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Rough Sleeper
Initiative

Supporting those who are homeless to build a more positive future in good health.

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Exempt Accommodation
Quality Standards

Addressing complex challenges and highlighting good practice around supported housing within the city.

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Violence Against
Women and Girls

Tackling Violence against Women and Girls in Birmingham – Creating a Safer City for Everyone

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We’re committed to transforming the experience of those facing multiple disadvantage in Birmingham for the better.

Our Work

Making Every
Adult Matter

Transforming services and systems for people facing multiple disadvantage

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Harnessing the Power of
Lived Experience

Harnessing the power of those with lived experience to help others

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Co-production
 

Sharing commitment to improve service and experience

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Systems Change
 

Creating lasting systems change – at local and national levels

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On-Street
Support Handbook

Helping community groups working with homelessness

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Domestic Abuse
Needs Assessment

Delivering support to victims of domestic abuse and their children

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