Help and hope for people living complex lives

Article date: 25 October 2023

Such 'complex lives' are the focus of this year's Public Health Annual Report, discussed at a meeting of St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet today (Wednesday 25 October). Included within the report are several stories from local people who have faced and are overcoming such challenges, with the help of local services.

People with complex needs or multiple disadvantages experience some of the greatest inequality and stigma in local communities and across the country. Yet the harmful and traumatic impact of challenges such as mental and physical health issues, drug and alcohol misuse and homelessness are a risk to more than those who are experiencing them.

In a foreword to the annual report, Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said:

"In today's uncertainty many people could be just one missed pay cheque away from trouble. It's often not our choices, but circumstances like the pandemic or cost-of-living crisis, a lost job or a deteriorating relationship that can put us on a declining path, where sometimes the risk of mental health issues, homelessness, drug or alcohol misuse and experience of crime as a victim or perpetrator increases.

"People with complex lives also face the fear and stigma of others, meaning that there are sometimes unnecessary barriers in their way which make it more difficult or stop them accessing the help and support they need and want. So we're taking an enhanced partnership approach to try and improve the care and support, and therefore the outcomes of people with complex lives."

View the Public Health Annual Report 2023.

Outcomes for people with complex needs are poor but their need for services is high. For example, the average life expectancy for homeless males is 45 years and for females it's 43 (ONS 2022).

The report details the ways in which better outcomes can be achieved, primarily through prevention and early intervention, and supporting recovery and transformation.

People with complex lives can find it difficult to engage with traditional models of support which can appear fragmented and rigid, and they can experience public stigma and a mistrust of professionals, so a trauma-informed approach is necessary throughout. For example, a professional might ask 'what does this person need' rather than 'what is wrong with this person'.

Action in St Helens is led by the overarching Complex Cares programme, operating since October 2022, targeting 75 individuals every year with a multi-agency plan which aims to create a more systematic approach to their complex needs, to break the cycles they're caught in, and create more learning and solution-focused services.

And those actions are proving successful in many cases. The annual report details the experiences of several individuals and families that have benefitted from the support and intervention of many local services and programmes including CGL (Change, Grow, Live) the council-commissioned substance misuse service, Building Bridges, the Young People's Drug and Alcohol Team, Building Attachment and Bonds (BABS) Programme, a Self-Harm A&E pilot, the council's Suicide Prevention Strategy, the St Helens Recovery Community, Footsteps, the Homeless Health Team, hostels, the Hope Centre and Teardrops, Independent Domestic Violence Adviser, together with partners like Merseyside Police.

Kev, a struggling addict, had been caught in a cycle of running from his problems and hiding from reality, while addiction consumed every aspect of his life. Kev's world had shrunk to a small, isolated room, devoid of any meaningful connections with friends or family. Devoid of any hope for the future, he purposefully overdosed several times, attempting to end his life.

The turning point for Kev came when he connected with his CGL key worker and probation officer. They saw his potential and encouraged him that things can change. Kev was encouraged and persuaded to commit to a year of sincere effort towards recovery. During this time, his support team provided crucial assistance and guidance. They helped secure suitable accommodation for him with Bright Start Homes supported housing and ensured regular testing and daily activities to aid in his recovery.

Although it was challenging at the beginning, Kev's determination and the unwavering support he received started to yield positive changes. Over time, the overpowering urge to use drugs diminished, and he found himself surrounded by caring individuals who trusted in his ability to change. This newfound support gave Kev the confidence to reconnect with his long-lost family, which further boosted his sense of wellbeing.

Cllr Burns added: "The aim is to reduce the risk of harm, help people to overcome barriers and remove barriers where possible, reducing the risk of relapse, supporting rehabilitation, and improving life quality. We are doing things differently, and the good news is that we are seeing more people like Kev with entrenched and difficult circumstances get out of them.

"But as the report details, there are still barriers to remove and stigmas to break down, that will in time give those experiencing complex challenges the stability, confidence and hope they need to live healthier, happier lives."