Tackling Destitution Together: pilot evaluation

Tackling Destitution Together: pilot evaluation 988 KB

By the time someone turns to a food bank or reaches out in crisis, there have often been earlier chances to help. Tackling Destitution Together (TDT) is a partnership between Citizens Advice and Trussell that tested how to reach people at risk of destitution sooner.

In five places, local Citizens Advice teams, food banks and community partners worked beyond traditional silos. They offered person-centred advice in schools, health settings and trusted neighbourhood spaces, before hardship became crisis.

Callout: The five pilot areas were Morecambe and North Lancashire, Hammersmith and Fulham, Rotherham, Hull and East Riding, and Ynys Môn.

This report sets out the findings of an independent evaluation by Revealing Reality. It looks at what it takes to prevent destitution upstream, and at the strong foundations prevention depends on: trusted relationships, local data, community infrastructure and experienced staff. It also sets out the structural barriers local systems face, from fragmented services and workforce pressures to short-term funding.

Alongside the report, a practical toolkit, including a local systems change maturity matrix, helps local partners assess where they are and plan their next steps.

Feature quote: "TDT shows what becomes possible when our two networks combine their expertise, values and determination." Lisa Jones, Citizens Advice, and Neal Southwick, Trussell