Ideas Space from Changing Futures

Ideas Space from Changing Futures – working together

At CASS+, we make sure that everyone who comes through our door gets the right support. We achieve this by working with all our partners across Devon and Cornwall.

Changing Futures

Changing Futures Plymouth works closely with the Plymouth Alliance, and is one of 15 areas in England that is awarded levelling up funding from government. This three-year programme is aimed at improving outcomes for adults facing difficulties like homelessness, substance use, mental health issues, domestic abuse and contact with the Justice System.  Most importantly, we’re extremely fortunate to have our own Peer Researcher, Patrick at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.

The Ideas Space

We asked the Changing Futures team to tell us about their monthly meeting called Ideas Space. This is an opportunity to meet other organisations and individuals who want to make a difference in Plymouth.

Hamoaze House is the chosen venue for the catch-ups. This is a warm and welcoming place where people can propose ideas or new ways of working that could optimise how we support people.

The invitation is open to everyone, from leaders to frontline staff. Everyone is invited to join the conversation and share ideas in order to improve lives in Plymouth. The group can then build on these ideas and offer partnerships. There is also a small amount of seed funding available for anyone who wants to get something off the ground.

So far, they’ve supported 14 ideas, including:

A series of films on the Peer Research Network, the first of which can be seen here
Training a therapy dog to work with the Pause team at Trevi – an opportunity for connection, comfort, love and support for the women the team is working with
A festival for people at George House, enabling them to feel valued and experience celebration and connection
A feasibility study to explore a harm prevention offer in the city to prevent childhood sexual abuse
Acceptance and commitment therapy training for staff working with people who have experienced complicated situations in their lives, offering personalised support tools

Above all, we can shape better services when we work together.

Meet up

The meeting takes place at Hamoaze House on the third Wednesday of each month from 1.30 – 3.30pm. All are welcome! Feel free to come along and please spread the word.