Submitted by Kelly on 22 Jul 2025 - 2:23pm
The Changing Futures Conference took place on 25 June 2025 and brought together 109 people from a wide range of organisations, including those with lived experience. The South Tees Changing Futures Book of stories and poems was launched during the event, featuring powerful live readings from local authors.
The morning focused on housing, with presentations and discussions capturing key insights. Notes on shared priorities were gathered from attendees and are currently being analysed. Before lunch, delegates heard a case study on the Key Worker role and a presentation on the Turning Tides Project. The afternoon table sessions encouraged collaboration, with attendees sharing experiences, building connections, and deepening their understanding of the system.
System Change Workshops
Work is underway on an externally facilitated system leadership development programme for local VCSE leaders and key public sector officers. This programme is helping to build strong working relationships and shape collective action around shared priorities across South Tees.
The group is currently developing a Prevention Framework, aiming to shift the focus from crisis response to early intervention and proactive support helping people to live their best lives. This approach relies on system-wide collaboration, co-production, and building resilience by working together more effectively.
Lisa Bosomworth plays a vital role in connecting the VCSE sector to the programme, ensuring it has the opportunity to influence and shape developments. She champions the sector as a valued partner, recognising its deep knowledge and experience in supporting people facing complex challenges across South Tees.
In addition, Action Inquiry Groups focused on homelessness in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland have been running since February 2025. These groups bring together over 70 local people, including frontline staff, managers, and senior leaders, to take action and explore new ways of working.
Key learning themes have included:
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Shared purpose and values
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System actors, factors, and health
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Barriers and enablers
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Emerging system change priorities
The final session in September will bring both areas together to share insights and co-develop a South Tees-wide plan for future action.
Key Worker / Enhanced Caseworker Model
Five Enhanced Caseworkers are co-located in critical settings, including the Police Call Centre, Emergency Department, and Mental Health Crisis Suite at Roseberry Park. Their role is to identify and support adults who frequently access emergency services for reasons beyond the scope of those services.
By working with these individuals, the caseworkers help divert them into more appropriate support, addressing underlying needs and reducing unnecessary strain on emergency services. Early identification through co-location allows for timely intervention before situations escalate further.
Interested in knowing more, connect with Lisa- lisa.bosomworth@mvdauk.org.uk
