Islington and Camden inject millions into helping vulnerable residents

The London borough's of Islington and Camden have secured £8 million of lottery funding to help some of their most vulnerable residents.

Residents at risk of homelessness, mental ill health, re-offending and drug or alcohol misuse, will receive intervention and treatment as a result of the funding.

The money was awarded to the Single Homeless Project (SHP), following a successful bid in partnership with other local organisations to the Big Lottery Fund’s Fulfilling Lives programme.

Camden and Islington have formed a partnership involving the voluntary sector, local authorities, health providers, probation and peer-led groups.

Authorities in both boroughs say that the funding could save the council and NHS money in the longer term.  

Liz Rutherfoord, chief executive of SHP, said: "We are extremely pleased to receive final confirmation that we have secured the funding from the Big Lottery Fund to deliver the Fulfilling Lives programme in Camden and Islington.

"SHP and our partners aim to transform the way the voluntary and statutory sectors work together so we can offer effective and co-ordinated support to people who have previously been denied the services they needed because of their multiple needs, enabling them to live fulfilling lives."

As part of the programme, around 300 mentors will be deployed to help ensure that those in need get early and effective intervention. Unnecessary visits to accident and emergency should also be reduced, it has been claimed.

Councillor Janet Burgess, Islington Council's executive member for health and wellbeing, said the scheme will help to prevent many problems before they occur.

She added: "This money will enable us to really help complex needs clients early with multiple health and dependency issues across both Camden and Islington - and importantly, stop them falling into crisis.

"Chaotic lives can ripple out into family relationships and the wider community so timely intervention is the key to preventing problems escalating."

Published 26th February, 2014

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