Our CEO, Mags Mercer commented:
“We’re thrilled this important, life changing programme for vulnerable people is to be continued. As one of eleven delivery partners in Surrey and previously the pilot programme from 2019, we have witnessed the impact and benefit to those we are supporting. Thanks to everyone involved in securing the funding to March 2026. We will continue to work hard delivering the Changing Futures programme”
The Bridge the Gap Alliance, part Surrey’s Changing Futures initiative, has secured new funding to continue its essential work supporting adults facing multiple disadvantages, including homelessness, substance misuse, mental health challenges, domestic abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system. This additional funding will empower this collective of 11 local charities, to keep providing trauma-informed outreach services to Surrey’s most vulnerable residents.
The funding, confirmed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and The National Lottery Community Fund, is part of a £14.8 million national investment. It will support vital services like Bridge the Gap until March 2026.
Changing Futures is a national initiative launched in 2020, with £14.8 million allocated to 15 local partnerships, including Surrey in 2025/26. The initiative focuses on person-centered, trauma-informed support, aiming to stabilise lives and provide long-term solutions for individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage. The impact has already been significant, with reduced rough sleeping, fewer A&E visits, and improvements in health and wellbeing.
In Surrey, this funding will enable Bridge the Gap to continue its successful work in reducing demand on emergency services while improving lives.
Paul Kelly, Independent Chair of the Bridge the Gap Alliance shared his excitement:
“This funding ensures Surrey Changing Futures can continue to make a meaningful difference to those facing the greatest challenges. Bridge the Gap has already achieved great success, and now we can extend our reach, providing sustainable change that breaks the cycle of disadvantage.”
The Changing Futures initiative has already made a tangible impact, with participants reporting improvements in their lives. A powerful testimony from a mother and her son highlights the profound impact of Bridge the Gap’s work:
“My son was on 24-hour social care support at a cost of around £18,000 a month, but it did not support him the way Bridge the Gap has. With the funding available for such services, think of how many people could benefit from Bridge the Gap at a fraction of that cost, with real, lasting improvements.”
She continued, “The changes in my son are immeasurable, and he was extremely challenging. I can relax knowing he is under an exceptional service.”
This story underscores the effectiveness of trauma-informed, relationship-based outreach and the importance of sustained funding that creates lasting change.
The work of Bridge the Gap Alliance is guided by a commitment to flexibility and accountability, enabling services to respond to individual needs. The Surrey initiative continues to engage people with lived experience to ensure no one is left behind.
While this new funding provides crucial support, the Alliance is dedicated to working alongside local communities, businesses and statutory service partners to ensure these services are sustainable in the long term.
A Bridge the Gap Support Worker shared, “In the face of marginalisation, stigma and misunderstanding, our work becomes the bridge that connects these individuals to the support, understanding and empowerment they rightfully deserve.
“Every interaction, every intervention, is a testament to their resilience and our commitment to advocate for their voices to be heard. It’s not just about what we do; it’s about the lives we touch.”
For more information about Surrey’s Changing Futures initiative, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/changing-futures or email: changing.Futures@surreycc.gov.uk
The Bridge the Gap Alliance Partners:
