ESF Support for Families With Multiple Problems

ESF: Support for Families with Multiple Problems- let us know your thoughts

This week the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and the London Voluntary Sector Training Consortium hosted an event on the European Social Fund: Support for Families to Tackle Poverty, specifically Support for Families with Multiple Problems. In Hackney, Reed In Partnership are delivering the Support for Families with Multiple Problems provision. Below we have listed some of the issues raised, including concerns over the referral process which we come via local authorities. At the event the need for an alliance between grassroots work and national lobbying was stressed in order that the work of the sector is recognised. There is a real need to evidence the work of smaller organisations who may be left out of large government and ESF contracts. Do you have thoughts on how the EDN could support this process? Please let us know.

The EDN sent out an EOI early this year for organisations to apply to be part of their supply chain. Since delivery hasn’t yet begun the needs of the families they will be working with and therefore they may still be opportunities for you to join their supply chain. An EOI is still available on their website:

http://www.reedinpartnership.co.uk/partners/expression-of-interest

Unlike the Work Programme, payment is based on ‘Progression Points’ rather than only job outcomes. These progression points haven’t been made public yet as the contracts haven’t been signed.

Eligibility:
•    Multi-generational workless families with multiple problems
•    one family member must be in receiving a DWP Working Age Benefit (then support available to rest of the family)
•    either no one is working or there is a history of worklessness across generations
•    family members who work 16 hours a week will not be eligible


Referral Process:
1.    Local Authorities will refer families they recognise as having multiple problems.
2.    Families eligibility checked by Jobcentre Plus
3.    Family starts receiving provision via Reed


Issues raised:
•    What is the definition of a family? (hasn’t been clarified yet: DWP wanted to ensure any strict definitions didn’t restrict eligibility-local authorities will make referrals so they may have to decide)
•    Will local authorities be in touch with the families most needing this support?
•    Why can’t VCS groups make referrals? This would save time and ensure provision reaches those who need it most
•    Poverty isn’t overcome simply by getting a job- are we overlooking in-work poverty?
•    Where do smaller organisations fit in?
•    How can the good work of VCS organisations be recognised and promoted in the current climate?

What is needed:   
•    More evidence gathering and publicity of the good work of the sector needed
•    Important to use both statistics and case studies when lobbying on behalf of the sector at a national level
•    Must be a greater awareness of the issues the sector can lobby on
•    Must forge an alliance between delivery and national lobbying

All the presentations from this event are available on the NCVO website:

http://www.lvstc.org.uk/events_past.php