Areas of investment

Challenge

The homelessness crisis in London continues to spiral. According to London Council’s recent estimate, 170,000 people in the city are homeless and residing in temporary accommodation - one in 50 of the capital's entire population. On average there is at least one homeless child in every London classroom. Despite the boroughs' efforts to assist homeless households; the shortage of available properties, especially in the lower market segment, has intensified that challenge. Research by Savills and the LSE indicates a 41% decrease in listings of PRS (Private Rented Sector) properties and a 20% increase in rents since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022-23, only 2.3% of PRS housing was deemed affordable for low-income households relying on Local Housing Allowance to cover their rent.

Approach

Notting Hill Genesis, as one of the largest housing associations in the country, is dedicated to addressing homelessness and the wider housing crisis by providing quality affordable housing. With more than 60,000 homes in its portfolio across London and the South-East, it offers a variety of tenures, including social, affordable and private rent; leasehold; key worker housing; temporary housing and shared ownership. It operates with a resident-centric philosophy, emphasising three core priorities: "better connections," involving actively listening to residents' concerns and engaging with their needs; "better homes," striving to ensure safe and comfortable living regardless of tenure; and "better places," managing estates in a holistic manner that enhances the sense of community.

In 2023 it partnered with Resonance’s National Homelessness Property Fund 2, through which it will manage almost 600 properties aimed at supporting families in the highest need by providing vital temporary housing to those who would otherwise have nowhere to go.

Challenge

Each year, 40,000 children in the UK experience an acquired brain injury. This can have a catastrophic effect on a child’s life, with many children losing the ability to walk, talk and feed themselves. Early rehabilitation is crucial, but very few organisations in the UK are fully equipped to offer the level of intensive therapy and care that is required.

Approach

The Children’s Trust provides intensive rehabilitation for children with acquired brain injuries and services for children with neurodisability, It is the only national inpatient facility for neurorehabilitation for children of its kind in the UK. Director of Therapies and Education, Melanie Burrough, explains, “When a child has an acquired brain injury, it is important that rehabilitation and therapy is provided as early as possible. Once the child is medically stable, they need rehabilitation to happen as soon as possible. That gives them the best chance of regaining, relearning and adapting skills such as walking, talking, eating, getting dressed and playing.” Rehabilitation is based on individualised child and family goals to support recovery, education and participation in everyday life. Intensive rehabilitation involves a large specialist team and offers high intensity therapy over the duration of placement, which could be up to 25 hours per week.

The Children's Trust also offers community rehabilitation, short breaks for children with complex needs and step-down packages of care. The Children’s Trust School is a non-maintained school provision, with onsite residential children’s homes supporting up to 44 children, predominantly with profound and multiple learning disabilities and complex health needs.

Challenge

The NHS remains a chronically understaffed and underfunded public service, leading to increased wait times, particularly for musculoskeletal (MSK) issues such as back, neck, and knee pain, which account for up to 30% of GP consultations in England. NHS data shows that waiting lists for MSK treatments have grown by 27% since January last year.

Approach

Flok is the UK’s first autonomous physiotherapy clinic, providing same-day access to care for NHS patients. Individuals seeking physiotherapy for issues such as back pain can be referred to the platform through a community or primary care setting, such as their GP. They also have the option to self-refer directly into the service.

An initial video assessment with an AI physiotherapist is conducted to evaluate their symptoms. Once approved for treatment, patients can schedule weekly video appointments with their AI physio, who prescribes exercises and pain management techniques, monitors symptoms, and adjusts treatments accordingly. A dedicated clinical team of physiotherapists and doctors oversees patients' recovery remotely, stepping in when additional information is needed or to further optimise the treatment plan.

Challenge

It is well-evidenced that 80-90% of health outcomes such as quality and length of life are influenced by socioeconomic and environmental factors. However, traditional medical care continues to be the most prevalent solution for people with long-term health conditions like diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Approximately 20% of the UK population is estimated to live with long-term health conditions, the treatment for which accounts for nearly 80% of NHS expenditure.

Approach

Thrive.NEL is an outcomes-based partnership in Northeast Lincolnshire focused on achieving shared goals – in this case, the improved health and wellbeing of individuals living with long-term health conditions (LTCs).

The programme connects participating local residents to social activities like gardening, walking clubs and volunteering, while also offering practical support through social welfare, money management, and dietary advice. This approach is known as ‘social prescribing’ and offers an alternative to traditional medical care, leveraging community initiatives and services to enhance long-term health and independence.

The delivery organisation, Centre4, manages a team of Link Workers who engage with individuals referred to the programme. Together, with participants, they formulate an action plan to empower them to improve their lifestyle habits, engage in activities, and build new social connections. This holistic approach fosters greater community engagement and encourages participants to adopt a more positive, resilient attitude towards challenges, leading to an overall improvement in their wellbeing and lifestyle.