Changing Futures Bristol has released an impact report showcasing the successes of its innovative approach to supporting people facing multiple disadvantage. The report highlights the transformative effects of collaboration, strategic partnerships, and their unique ‘My Team Around Me’ model.
Changing Futures Bristol, delivered in partnership between the mental health charity Second Step and Bristol City Council, aims to break the cycle of homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, domestic abuse and violence, and involvement in the criminal justice system.
Councillor Lorraine Francis, Chair of the Adult Social Care committee at Bristol City Council, said:
“I am pleased with the progress that Changing Futures Bristol has made over the past four years. Their role in supporting people who are experiencing multiple disadvantages, must be recognised, as they are ensuring that people are at the centre of the support on offer. Real change is happening, so I look forward to seeing people experiencing the benefits of this change.”
Aileen Edwards, Chief Executive of lead voluntary sector partner Second Step, said:
“The work we’re doing in partnership with professionals and people with lived experience across the city has led to some truly innovative work such as the successful My Team Around Me support approach which is proving to be transformative. Long may this continue.”
Kath Williams, Changing Futures Bristol Programme Director, said:
“This impact report gives an insight into the achievements of our combined efforts over the last few years. It shows the power of collaboration: when we work together as a system, we can achieve great things.”
A member of lived experience group, Independent Futures (IF) said:
“Not locating the problem within the individual meant I started to be able to challenge services in the way they were working. It is essential that this work continues because things can be done differently, services can work better together and people with multiple disadvantage don’t need to be re-traumatised and can be heard.”
The programme’s trauma-informed support teams focus on clients’ unique experiences, hopes, and dreams, driving long-term positive change and addressing root causes rather than symptoms.
Download the impact report here.
Key Achievements
- The ‘My Team Around Me’ model has created real and lasting change for individuals facing multiple disadvantage in Bristol.
- Reports of improved happiness, hopefulness, and ability to enjoy life.
- Notable improvements in housing stability, safety, and fewer incidents of self-harm.
- Enhanced trust in professionals and increased involvement in personal decision-making.
Collaborative Milestones
- Over 200 professionals from 33 organisations trained in the ‘My Team Around Me’ model, fostering shared responsibility and collaboration across services.
- Bristol City Council launched its first ever Multiple Disadvantage Strategy and made ‘My Team Around Me’ the standard approach for supporting individuals facing complex challenges.
Looking Ahead
Changing Futures Bristol will continue to promote the ‘My Team Around Me’ model, offering training to professionals across the city and advocating for systemic change in the way services are delivered.
Any professional supporting clients experiencing multiple disadvantage can sign up to the next round of ‘My Team Around Me’ Training in July. The programme remains committed to giving a platform to the voices of people with lived experience of multiple disadvantage through initiatives such as Bristol Community Voice, ensuring their perspectives shape policies and services.
Notes to Editors
- Changing Futures Bristol is delivered in partnership between Second Step and Bristol City Council, overseen by a wider stakeholder group including statutory partners such as the Police, Probation, Department of Work & Pensions, and Avon and Wiltshire NHS Partnership Trust, alongside voluntary sector partners like St Mungos, The Nelson Trust, and SARI.
- At the end of last year, the programme received new funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), ensuring operations continue until March 2026.
For more information, please contact PR & Communications Manager Jane Edmonds on 07841777401 or email jane.edmonds@second-step.co.uk