East Midlands awarded £15,642,403 to support vulnerable families and build brighter futures
Region to get £15.6 million share of £200 million package for Supporting Families programme over the next year which helps vulnerable people across the country
Key workers help resolve issues at an early stage, before they develop into more serious problems
Flagship government scheme has helped more than 470,000 vulnerable families
Over 5,000 vulnerable families across the East Midlands will receive tailored support and interventions through government investment in the flagship Supporting Families programme.
This week the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced that councils across England will receive a share of over £200 million in 2022/2023 to support vulnerable families in their communities and help them build a brighter future.
Working jointly with the Department for Education and other departments, the extra money will help local areas tackle the challenges that vulnerable families face including those that put them at risk of neglect or harm.
Dedicated key workers work with every member of the family and bring local services together to resolve issues at an early stage before they develop into more significant problems.
Families are supported to leave abusive relationships, receive joined-up support for mental health issues and help people find work.
In Nottinghamshire, the Supporting Families Programme has funded a wide range of interventions and parenting programmes through local Family and Parenting Teams.
The teams are helping families find their own solutions to areas which they are struggling with including:
· Reducing violence and conflict within the home
· Improving day to day practical routines and boundaries
Working directly with children and young people on how to stay safe online, understanding grooming and the risks of sexual and criminal exploitation and how to deal with emotions and feelings positively.
Minister for Levelling up Communities Kemi Badenoch said:
“As a society we must help the most vulnerable in our communities and the government is focused on giving families the support they need to build a better future.
“Our Supporting Families programme in the East Midlands plays an integral role as we recover from the pandemic, making sure children get back to school, helping those who have lost their jobs get back into work, protecting people’s mental health and stopping domestic abuse.”
A total of £15,642,403 has been allocated to the East Midlands:
· Derby £1,290,200
· Derbyshire £2,238,467
· Leicester £1,796,000
· Leicestershire £1,442,200
· Lincolnshire £2,279,533
· Northamptonshire North £2,224,000
· Nottingham £1,690,333
· Nottinghamshire £2,520,333
· Rutland £161,333
To date up to £1.2 billion has been invested in the programme since 2012.
Evidence shows the whole family approach taken through Supporting Families could prevent children in vulnerable families from ending up in the care system, reduce the likelihood of involvement in crime and support families back towards work and more fulfilling lives.
It also found that the proportion of adults receiving custodial sentences had decreased by a quarter; under 18’s receiving custodial sentences had decreased by almost 40%; and the proportion of adults on the programme claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance had decreased by 11%.
The Supporting Families programme costs the taxpayer less in the long run – by preventing issues before they become more serious.
Full funding allocations can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-families-programme-funding-allocations-by-local-authority-area-2022-2023