Ensure that all local services operate in the most inclusive way possible for individuals facing multiple disadvantage, including those who experience additional barriers to accessing support. Exploring and acting on feedback from people using services is vital for this.
Provide stafftraining and support to ensure that staff in all services working with people experiencing multiple disadvantage have an understanding of trauma and strengths-based approaches.
Explore any gaps in service provision that can’t be provided through flexibility from existing responses (examples may include certain accommodation or specific talking therapies). If so, a case should be made for commissioning these in the future. In order to avoid adding additional layers of support to an already complex system, gap filling should only be done once coordination and flexibility have been developed.
Consider arrangements such as co-location of services and expertise in order to enhance existing responses and support joint working (e.g. a mental health worker within probation or a homeless outreach worker in the hospital discharge team).
Use peer support from across the local partnership and the MEAM Approach network to support training, capacity and workforce development needs. If partnerships are having difficulty with a particular issue it is likely that other local services or MEAM Approach/ Fulfilling Lives areas have faced the same problem and found solutions.
