Changing Futures – The Next Chapter for Sussex

Sue Goddard, Programme Support Officer for Changing Futures Sussex, reflects on the final Changing Futures – The Next Chapter for Sussex event held in March 2026, which brought partners together to celebrate impact, reflect on learning, and look ahead with shared purpose, energy and confidence as the programme moves into its next chapter.

It was a sunny day, both outside and inside the venue. From the moment people arrived, there was a real buzz in the room. Colleagues and partners from across Sussex reconnected, conversations flowed, and there was a strong collective sense that this was a moment worth pausing for.

Mark Dow (Centre) SRO for Changing Futures leads discussion

The event marked the closure of the five-year Changing Futures Sussex programme, part of a national initiative focused on improving outcomes for adults experiencing multiple compound needs. But the message throughout the day was clear: this was not simply an ending, it was an opportunity to celebrate what has been achieved together and to look ahead with clarity and intent.

Across the day we heard from programme leads, delivery teams, partners and national colleagues, each reflecting on the impact achieved at both individual and system level. Presentations brought together lived experience, practice insights and data to show the difference that coordinated, trauma-informed and person-centred support can make — from improved wellbeing and housing stability to reduced reliance on crisis and emergency services.

What really stood out was the energy in the room. Contributions were open, thoughtful and rooted in real experience. The table discussions created space for meaningful reflection on what has enabled success, what feels fragile, and what must be actively protected as the programme legacy moves into mainstream delivery.

Lived experience was central throughout the day, grounding the conversations in what truly matters. Personal stories, films and reflections brought humanity to the data and reminded everyone why trust, consistency and co-production are not optional extras, but essential foundations for effective support.

As the day ended, we asked a simple but powerful question: "In one word, what are you leaving with today?”

The responses formed a word cloud that captured the spirit of the event perfectly. At its heart were collaboration, co-production, lived experience and partnership, surrounded by words like hopeful, trust, pride, accountability, peer support and shared purpose.

Alongside these values were more practical reflections — data, focus, integration, commitment and prevention — highlighting both the impact of the work and the seriousness of intent to carry it forward. Words such as optimism, brave, empowered and keep going spoke to the human energy behind the programme and the relationships built along the way.

Together, the image offered a visual summary of Changing Futures Sussex: doing things differently, doing them together, and keeping people with lived experience at the centre — a powerful reminder of what should remain at the core as the work continues.

The event also highlighted the wider legacy of Changing Futures across Sussex. Over its lifetime, the programme has helped raise the profile of multiple compound needs, influencing policy, commissioning, governance and ways of working across local authorities, health, housing and the voluntary sector.

Speakers reflected on the foundations now in place: strong, trusted multi-agency partnerships; embedded peer support and co-production; improved data, insight and evidence; and trauma-informed and reflective practice becoming part of everyday work.

As the day moved into the final sessions, attention turned firmly to the future. National and local perspectives reinforced the message that Sussex is well placed to build on what has been achieved, with Changing Futures already influencing new delivery models and long-term plans.

This final event felt like a fitting reflection of Changing Futures Sussex itself: collaborative, thoughtful, hopeful and deeply people focused. It was the perfect way to close one chapter and step confidently into the next.

Some of the programme team with Representatives from East & West Sussex

Thank you to everyone who has supported and shaped Changing Futures Sussex; together, your commitment and collaboration have created impact that will continue long beyond the programme.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller

(Helen Keller was an American author, activist, and lecturer, best known for overcoming profound disability and advocating for others).