The MEAM Approach in the Midlands: Expression of Interest

May 12, 2019

The MEAM Approach helps local areas design and deliver better coordinated services for people experiencing multiple disadvantage. It’s currently being used by partnerships of statutory and voluntary agencies in 27 local areas across England.

MEAM Approach areas consider seven principles, which they adapt to local needs and circumstances. We provide hands-on support to the local partnerships as part of this process.

We currently have capacity on the team to support two new areas specifically in the East or West Midlands. Successful areas will:

  • Receive “critical friend” support from MEAM staff (based regionally in Homeless Link, Clinks and Mind) as it develops its coordinated intervention
  • Contribute data to a programme-wide evaluation to evidence the impact of coordinated interventions, both locally and nationally
  • Benefit from shared learning hubs and networks, regionally and nationally, and engagement with the MEAM policy team
  • Improve local outcomes for people facing multiple needs and develop the systemic changes that are needed to make these sustainable

To be eligible to apply, local areas must be able to:

  • Resource a coordinated intervention in their area for the next three years.
  • Provide data for the national evaluation for the same period
  • Fully involve people with lived experience of multiple disadvantage in the design and implementation of their interventions (coproduction)
  • Consider diversity and equality when identifying the cohort of people with which they wish to work
  • Agree to the standard terms and conditions of MEAM and the Big Lottery Fund (these terms will be made available to shortlisted applicants)

If your area is moving towards coordinated interventions for people facing multiple disadvantage, has started to build a cross-sector partnership and is able to pool money to self-fund an intervention, then we encourage you to apply for support from the MEAM coalition.

To apply, please complete an Expression of Interest form and return to r.wallbank@mind.org.uk by 31st May 2019.

We ask that shortlisted areas be available for interviews (in your locality) on the 12th and 13th June 2019.

Please note that as the MEAM Approach is focused on area-wide interventions, existing Fulfilling Lives areas are not eligible to apply and we would not expect to see multiple applications from any local area.