Oliver Hilbery Project Director

What is MEAM? Four national membership organisations 1600 members Focussed on policy and practice change for people with ‘multiple needs’

What’s the history? Frontline agencies: see multiple needs The sectors report on it: e.g. Elmore/HL (01/2) The govt respond: SETF/ACE/PSA16 (07/08) Four orgs: a common discourse? (07/08) MEAM launch – In From the Margins (08) Project Director starts at MEAM (May 09)

Who has ‘multiple needs’? Discussed locally by name Well known to councils, homelessness services, police, probation, prisons, CMHTs, drug and alcohol teams and the public…

MEAM definition People with multiple needs fit all three criteria: Experience a combination of issues that impact adversely on their lives Are routinely excluded from effective contact with the services they need Tend to lead chaotic lives that are costly to society

So what is MEAM doing? Policy work “Getting multiple needs on the agenda”

Policy work Aims to create a national framework for local action Builds on work so far – but clear that there is further to go Has laid out a four-point manifesto for next parliament

Policy work (1) Define the group Locally Using national guidance (NDT) Focussing on those most at risk

Policy work (2) Recognise the social and economic case for action Individuals/communities. Cost effectiveness W’s costs: In the past: At least £410,000 in government expenditure Last year: £23,500 (excludes social costs)

Policy work (3) Commit to a national policy framework on multiple needs and exclusions – and a Green Paper to explore the options Define group A duty of active cooperation Local multiple needs strategies Support commissioning of services Train staff Show results of working together

Policy work (4) Measure national progress Good tools for progress measurement Chances for national comparisons Opportunities to show each other ‘what works’

So what is MEAM doing? Practice work “Our promise - helping our members further develop their responses”

Practice work Our promise to government Will support our national policy asks And support our members Scope, size and funding to be determined Shaped by a series of visits Potential for future pilots

Practice work What do multiple needs services look like? “Brokers/ Coordinators” “Gap fillers”

Practice work Promote services that: Show a multi-agency commitment in their area Define the group Broker access / plug gaps Track positive progress and show results Create ‘system change’ locally

Practice work Reduce stigma and discrimination Promote recovery and social integration – staff and organisational attitudes Recognise the value of meaningful activity, community, families and relationships Move towards early intervention and cross- sector knowledge

What can you do? More news on practice early in the New Year Policy work will continue towards election – direct people to the manifesto More info: Feedback your thoughts and views Thanks Oliver Hilbery Project Director