Independent Futures, a leading organisation dedicated to empowering individuals facing multiple disadvantages, has played a pivotal role in a recent study evaluating the Changing Futures Bristol programme. This initiative, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Three Research Schools' Mental Health Programme Practice Evaluation Scheme (Grant Reference Number: MH021), aimed to assess the effectiveness of trauma-informed approaches in supporting people experiencing homelessness, mental ill-health, substance misuse, domestic abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system.
The evaluation, published in BMC Health Services Research, employed a participatory action research methodology, collaborating closely with individuals with lived experience and frontline staff. Independent Futures contributed significantly to this process, co-producing the research and providing invaluable insights into the real-world application of trauma-informed practices.
Key findings from the study highlighted the importance of long-term funding, cross-sector collaboration, and strong leadership in embedding trauma-informed practices across services. Despite some progress, the research identified barriers such as short-term funding cycles and staff turnover, which hindered the full implementation of these approaches.
For more detailed insights into the study and its findings, please refer to the full article here: Evaluating a trauma-informed programme to support people facing multiple disadvantage.
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