Breckland Council £1.12m scheme to help vulnerable people

Breckland Council is looking at renewing its Inspiring Communities project for another three years which targets specific groups who are at risk from issues such as health inequalities and crime.

It follows a previous programme which the council has hailed as a success and reportedly saved the health system £1.8m annually through early intervention work.

The Breckland Council offices (Image: Archant)

Four key areas will be targeted through the project, which include tackling domestic abuse, reducing social isolation and loneliness, supporting people's mental health and working with partners to tackle County Lines gangs.

A number of new projects could be established through the funding.

A community hub in Dereham has been proposed which will offer multi-agency support to enhance "wellness, employment and skills development" according to the report.

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The mobile Breckland food store will be changed to a 'pop-up pantry' where people can access healthy food.

Further pop-up services have also been suggested which will offer financial support, health checks and housing support.

Dereham high street (Image: Newsquest)

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The funding, derived from its inclusive growth reserve will be split among a number of different organisations, such as Citizens Advice, Mind and council departments including welfare and fly-tipping.

The report to council says that the project will show the authority's "unwavering commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of residents."

It follows an announcement that it will raise council tax this year as part of efforts to meet "unprecedented" financial pressures.

More details of the council's budget plans for this year will follow later this month.

Cabinet members will meet next week to discuss the proposal.