Multiple Unmet Needs

Our Break the Cycle report explores multiple unmet needs across Hull. It highlights the voices, stories, and experiences of those affected by the impacts of multiple unmet needs.

We look at the needs of people and groups who have faced and are still facing some of the highest levels of exclusion, and layers of disadvantage.

The Break the Cycle report provides information on our recommendations for how we can all build on existing good practices and work collaboratively to improve outcomes for those with multiple unmet needs in our city.

What we mean by ‘multiple unmet needs’

We have referred to these areas of compounded disadvantage as ‘multiple unmet needs’ and they are broadly understood to include people who are experiencing -

  • homelessness, including forms of hidden homelessness
  • harmful use of drugs and alcohol, such as dependence or addiction
  • contact with the criminal justice system
  • domestic abusive relationships
  • the removal of a child or children from their legal care (this also includes children experiencing legal removal from their parents)
  • poor mental health

What you can do

As an individual, we encourage you to reflect on and challenge your prior assumptions or thoughts about those experiencing multiple unmet needs. Consider how we can tackle stigma, and think about the story behind the person, the impact of trauma and how kindness and respect can make a world of difference.

As a professional, consider the 'Break the Cycle' report themes, findings and recommendations. Think about how you can incorporate these into your work as an individual, team, organisation or more widely. We would encourage you to reflect on where there are opportunities to make a difference within your area of influence. That could be working towards a trauma informed approach, challenging existing perceptions and cultures, being careful about the language and labels we use, or a commitment to playing a part in positive systems change.

We encourage those interested to read about trauma informed practice and consider trauma informed training. There is also more information and resources about multiple unmet needs that can be accessed below.

If you are concerned that somebody is rough sleeping you can complete the online referral form.

Changing Futures

Changing Futures is a multi-million-pound programme aiming to improve outcomes for adults experiencing multiple unmet needs. You can access more information about how Changing Futures Hull is working to implement the findings from the 'Break the Cycle' report and help change lives for the better.

The programme is funded through the government’s Shared Outcomes Fund with funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Additional resources on multiple unmet needs

We have created a list of useful resources, to support our partners across the system in improving their understanding and embedding good practice. We hope these resources will be valuable both for those working across Hull hoping to improve outcomes for those with multiple unmet needs, as well as those in other areas interested in finding out more.