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APPG for Complex Needs – A Call for Evidence on Social Action
Introduction
Introduction This report explores the benefits of social action initiatives working with people with complex needs or a dual diagnosis. We have seen how it can support recovery, self-worth and confidence, boost employment prospects and skills, reduce stigma, better shape services to meet people’s needs, contribute to better health and wellbeing and save money.
Challenges and ways to further grow social action are examined in terms of service provision gaps, resource requirements, stigma and prejudice, procedural challenges, leadership, commissioning and demonstrating impact. The report has been led by submissions received from our call for evidence and we would like to express our sincerest thanks to all the organisations and individuals that submitted evidence and otherwise supported and made our work possible.
Call for evidence background The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Complex Needs and Dual Diagnosis was established in 2007 in recognition of the fact that people seeking help often have a number of over-lapping needs as well as problems accessing support. It is made up of interested MPs and peers and supported by a large membership network, with secretariat support provided by Turning Point. The group aims to ensure that the issues faced by people with complex needs or a dual diagnosis remain on the political agenda.
Between April and May 2017, the APPG ran a joint call for evidence with the Office for Civil Society (OCS). This asked how social action can improve outcomes, prevent crisis, support recovery and help develop more responsive services for people with a dual diagnosis or complex needs. Both written and oral evidence was received from a wide range of respondents from VCSE organisations, the NHS, peer-led groups, service providers, academics, public sector professionals and people with lived experience.
