A LANCASHIRE-wide scheme led by Blackburn with Darwen Council to support people with complex needs and multiple disadvantage has been granted and extra £2.027million.

The cash come from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and The National Lottery Community Fund

Changing Futures Lancashire operates across Blackburn with Darwen Borough, the county council's 12 districts -including Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale and Blackpool

Initially a three year programme to March 2024, the project will now continue supporting people across Lancashire until the end of March 2025.

As one of only 10 areas nationally to receive additional funding, Changing Futures Lancashire is now in a position to extend the programme to continue its work with the most disadvantaged people.

The programme is co-produced with people with experience of a range of disadvantages – including homelessness, substance misuse, poor mental health, domestic abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system – to offer joined-up support to the most vulnerable.

The programme aims to improve access to services by integrating specialist and community support around their needs, and trialling new ways of bringing together the public sector and community sector to modernise public services for people who experience multiple disadvantage.

Cllr Damian Talbot, Blackburn with Darwen Council's health boss, said: "I’m really proud that Blackburn with Darwen Council is the lead local authority for this ground-breaking programme.

"It aims to better support the most vulnerable people in our communities, who often have past experiences of trauma.

"Changing Futures Lancashire is improving co-ordination of support services, to reduce the further risk of homelessness, ill health, and increased contact with the criminal justice system.

"Already the programme has had huge success, and I’m absolutely delighted for the team that they can continue their fantastic work."

Cllr Talbot highlighted the case of Adam who was sleeping rough in Blackburn and was known to police for his anti-social behaviour.

His use of drug and alcohol was severe. Changing Futures workers contacted Adam daily.

He is now feeling more positive, has vastly reduced his drug use. become responsible for his finances and has a safe space to call home.