The first ever ‘Multiple Disadvantage Day’ is to be held on Wednesday 3rd July 2019.
The day aims to reduce the stigma experienced by some of the most disadvantaged and forgotten about people in our society, and encourages members of the public to #seethefullpicture. There will be a dedicated website (www.multipledisadvantageday.org), built around 12 case studies which detail the ‘true stories’ of people facing Multiple Disadvantage and their journey in life so far.
Childhood neglect, domestic abuse, homelessness and poor mental health, are just some of many challenges explored in the true stories. The complexity of accessing services and trying to get help is also highly evident; as are the hopes and aspirations of those telling their story.
The day has been developed by 12 partnerships which deliver the Fulfilling Lives Programme – an eight-year programme with an investment of £112 million from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. Fulfilling Lives works with people who have first-hand experience of substance misuse, homelessness, offending, and mental ill-health to make services and support better connected, easier to access and tailored to the needs of individuals.
It is one of five major programmes set up by The National Lottery Community Fund to test and learn from new approaches to designing services which aim to make people’s lives healthier and happier. To celebrate Multiple Disadvantage Day, a series of coordinated events will be held across England on Wednesday 3rd July 2019. The events will be free and open to the public and there will be a mix of activities across each area including; photography exhibitions, short films, poetry, music and theatre.
All of the content will be created by people who have in the past, or are currently accessing services for a range of complex needs including; homelessness, mental ill health, offending, domestic abuse and substance misuse. With public support and more people pledging to #seethefullpicture, this campaign has the potential to instigate change. The severity and complexity of a person’s problems means they are often turned away from the very services that are set up to help them because their behaviour is seen as too challenging. This means people with the most severe problems are even further excluded. Change could lead to services that are more cohesive, and more accessible.
The reality is that without the right care and support, people facing Multiple Disadvantage may die. Most often prematurely. Through launching Multiple Disadvantage Day, the Fulfilling Lives Programme is asking for change. Change in public perception. Change in the way systems and services work. And most importantly, positive change for people facing Multiple Disadvantage.
To find out more about the true stories, and events being held on Wednesday 3rd July visit www.multipledisadvantageday.org or email hope.drew@colonelduck.co.uk.