National Lottery to invest £18m in government programme

The National Lottery Community Fund is to invest almost £18m in the government’s ‘Changing Futures’ programme to help vulnerable people.  

The programme invites local organisations to form partnerships to better support those who experience multiple disadvantages, including homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system.

On top of the government’s £46m investment in the programme, the additional funding announced today takes the total scheme to £64m.

This will extend the support available to three years and enable a more effective, joined-up service from local organisations – including, councils, health bodies, police, probation services, voluntary and community sector.

Last year, the government invited local partnerships to bid to take part in the ‘Changing Futures’ programme and establish new support systems for vulnerable people.

21 areas have been shortlisted for the next selection round and will now submit their proposals for a wider support service in their regions.

Today’s funding builds on the National Lottery’s ‘Fulfilling Lives’ programme – a £112 million investment over eight years that that focuses on improving support for vulnerable people, by giving them a greater voice in the design and delivery of services.

‘We are delighted to be supporting the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government Changing Futures programme through an additional investment of £17.9m,’ said the National Lottery Community Fund’s interim chief executive, John Rose.

‘Through our Fulfilling Lives programme in England, we have seen people who have lived experience come together in partnerships with communities to develop new approaches which can better support adults facing multiple disadvantage.

‘Thanks to National Lottery players, £30m is raised every week for the UK’s good causes, and £41 billion has been distributed to 565,000 good causes across the UK since 1994.’