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: http://www.meam.org.uk• Feedback your thoughts and views

ThanksOliver Hilbery

Project Director

07810 867 190

oliver.hilbery@meam.org.uk