Knowsley has been confirmed as one of 18 areas of the country set to receive its share of more than £55 million to support outcomes for people facing significant disadvantages in their everyday lives. This could include people experiencing homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill health, domestic abuse or have contact with the criminal justice system.
The funding – of which Knowsley is earmarked to receive in the region of £2.5 million over the next three years – can be used to provide targeted support to people with the most complex problems to help them to regain control of their lives. It is estimated that this additional investment will help to support more than 300 people in the borough.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “I am really pleased that Knowsley has been selected for the Changing Futures programme and that hundreds of our residents, who we know are finding life hard – will benefit from this extra investment.”
“We know that many people in our communities face daily struggles and some, we also know may have multiple challenges to overcome. These people are often those who are most excluded or isolated or those that rely heavily on support from the Council and other partners. Having additional funding to be able to reach out and support these people, when they need it most, is really positive.”
The programme, organised by the Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government was established back in 2021 when 15 areas were initially selected to take part and Knowsley is part of the second phase of this work.
The funding aims to support local partnerships of health, social care, homelessness, police, criminal justice, and voluntary sector services to target those most needing support and develop locally tailored plans to drive forward improvements.
Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern said: “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 said: “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.”