Turning the Tide: A Vision Paper for multiple needs and exclusions

Abstract

Purpose

This article seeks to summarise the recent publication, Turning the Tide: A Vision Paper for multiple needs and exclusions by Revolving Doors and Making Every Adult Matter. It addresses the significant financial and social costs of society's failure to support the 60,000 adults facing multiple needs and exclusions in England today and how this damage can be prevented.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, six qualitative evidence seminars and a series of individual meetings were held, with 60 stakeholders consulted. The paper draws on the expertise of member agencies, partners, and the members of Revolving Doors' service user forum who have direct experience of multiple needs and exclusions.

Findings

People facing multiple needs and exclusions experience several problems simultaneusly, have ineffective contact with services and, as a result, live chaotic lives. They are a small group but impose disproportionate costs on themselves, families, communities and the public purse. The paper sets out the vision that in every local area people facing multiple needs are supported by effective coordinated services. It argues that to achieve this, a new approach is needed from national government. Five building blocks to achieving the vision are examined in detail.

Originality/value

Drawing on a wide evidence base, the paper shows how politicians, local leaders, and commissioners can act to make coordinated services for people facing multiple needs and exclusions the norm. It is of relevance to service managers/providers who can act now to tackle multiple needs by building partnerships, taking proposals to commissioners, and supporting elected members to develop new approaches.

Citation

Page, A. (2011), "Turning the Tide: A Vision Paper for multiple needs and exclusions", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 173-179. https://doi.org/10.1108/17570971111197184