COUNCIL chiefs claim a ‘transformational’ approach to working with vulnerable adults with complex and multiple needs is saving millions of pounds of public money.

The transformation challenge programme operated by Redcar and Cleveland Council assigns key workers to provide intensive support to adults in the community.

The overall aim is to try and ensure they can lead safe, independent and fulfilling lives.

Vulnerable individuals are helped with their housing needs, substance abuse and addictions, and their physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing.

They are also signposted to work and volunteering opportunities and given advice on money management.

A council report said that the programme had worked with more than a thousand individuals to date and achieved “improved outcomes combined with more efficient use of resources”.

It was estimated that £5m had been saved in ongoing costs to the council and other statutory agencies with 414 cases where support had been given now being successfully closed.

Councillor Steve Kay said: “It is about empowering people and communities.
“If people need help then of course we will try to give them that help.
“But also if we can help people from getting into a further parlous state it costs the council and the state less from looking after them.”