Last week the Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Cabinet Office Parliamentary Secretary Minister Georgia Gould MP, visited us to hear about some key work being done across the county.
This was an opportunity for us, alongside our partners, to showcase how government funding is being used in Essex to benefit residents.
The visit focused on how national programmes like 'Test, Learn and Grow' and 'Changing Futures' are making a difference, particularly for those most in need of support.
Last month, Essex was announced as one of four areas chosen by the Government to take part in the early wave of the work, with the main programme being designed in collaboration with the Local Government Association (LGA).
During the visit we shared updates on the Test, Learn and Grow programme on Temporary Accommodation taking place in Essex and what work will be done in the coming months.
Partners also attended and joined the discussion including Colchester City Council, Colchester Borough Homes and the University of Essex.
We also shared information on Changing Futures, which aims to improve outcomes for adults experiencing multiple disadvantages. This could include a range of multiple and complex needs like homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse and contact with the criminal justice system.
In 2021, the council was awarded £2.8 million from the Changing Futures programme.
This has helped:
- Partners and third-sector organisations in Essex deliver crucial support to individuals with a range of multiple and complex needs
- Fund a Mental Health and Wellbeing service
- Develop a supported employment scheme
- Provide housing for individuals suffering from homelessness
Many partners joined the visit and were able to speak about the difference the programme has made. Partners that attended included Phoenix Futures, Open Road Employment Service and East of England Probation.
Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration said: “We are committed to helping people with complex needs live fulfilling lives within our communities.
“It is, therefore, always pleasing when Ministers and senior civil servants want to learn more about the innovative work undertaken in Essex by us and our partners.
“It has been a great opportunity to showcase how government funding and initiatives are delivered locally and discuss how what we are doing could help inform and support policy development going forwards.
“I would like to thank the Ministers and Cabinet Office staff for taking the time to visit us. I would also like to thank all partners that attended and of course my council colleagues too.”