Severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD)
What this means and what we are doing
People experiencing SMD exist at the most extreme margins of social disadvantage. They have often faced significant trauma and are failed by systems that are not designed to support their multiple interconnected challenges. The evidence presented in this chapter demonstrates that the consequences of SMD are far-reaching, affecting not only individuals and families, but wider society too, with significant demands placed on public services. There is a need for improved data collection systems which enable the systematic monitoring of SMD across Stockton-on-Tees, providing local insights on prevalence, trends, and risk factors.
Despite these challenges, there is a growing body of evidence highlighting effective approaches to supporting people experiencing SMD. There is a need to move away from siloed service delivery towards integrated and flexible models of support, which focus on building meaningful relationships and improving people's capabilities.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is taking steps in this direction through its Complex Lives transformation programme.
This work focuses on:
- identifying new models of support to improve outcomes
- reducing costs for those already experiencing SMD
- intervening early to prevent SMD from developing amongst children and young people at risk
This will draw on learning not only from other areas, but also our own local initiatives, such as the work already being undertaken to test a peer advocacy approach across Stockton-on-Tees, led by the Health and Wellbeing Board.
