Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery players, we have secured three years of further funding for our Wellbeing Support Team.
The investment of £243,402 over three years means we can keep offering consistent, person-centred support to people experiencing homelessness in Nottingham with holistic, practical and emotional support.
“We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for this incredible grant. This funding provides vital stability for our Wellbeing Support Team, allowing us to plan for the future with real confidence. By supporting our holistic approach, The National Lottery is directly helping us prevent vulnerable people from falling through the gaps, reducing homelessness and saving lives across our city.” – Isabella Harriss, CEO of Emmanuel House
We also extend our sincere gratitude to The Jones 1986 Trust, whose timely £54,000 grant bridged our funding shortfall ahead of the lottery award. Their vital foresight protected our frontline operations during the critical transition period.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Jones 1986 Trust for stepping in exactly when we needed them. Their remarkable generosity provided us with financial stability during a highly vulnerable moment, preventing any disruption to our daily support services.” – Rosie Needham-Smith, Fundraising and Grants Manager
What the Wellbeing Support Team does
The WBST works with people who are homeless or living in unsuitable accommodation in Nottingham, many of whom are experiencing poor mental health alongside additional needs. The team helps individuals to access health and wellbeing services and support agencies—such as GPs, drug and alcohol services, statutory mental health services and social inclusion activities—especially where people don’t feel able to navigate those systems alone.
The WBST evolved from our earlier Multiple Needs Support Team (2014–2017) and has been operating successfully since 2018. It is a continuation of a proven model that we have refined and expanded over time.
Beneficiaries describe the WBST as “like an extended family.” They feel empowered, in control, and able to cope with life’s challenges.
“I’m feeling supported, I’m no longer homeless and my health is being looked after due to the support they give me. I have someone to trust, to talk to. My life is so much better. The support my worker has given me I believe has helped save my life.” – Jon*, service user.
*Names have been changed to protect identities.
Reaching Communities Through Partnership
The National Lottery Community Fund’s Reaching Communities programme is designed to strengthen communities and improve lives, especially where people and places face the greatest disadvantage. This funding recognises both the scale of need in our city and the value of collaborative, joined-up support—so people don’t fall through the gaps between housing, health and wellbeing services.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Hope and Transforming Lives in Nottingham
As we look forward to the next three years, this crucial funding ensures that Emmanuel House can continue to be a lifeline for Nottingham’s most vulnerable communities. By bridging the gaps between housing, healthcare and emotional wellbeing, our Wellbeing Support Team will keep empowering individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who plays the National Lottery and to all our partners who make this life-saving work possible. To stay updated on our impact or to learn how you can support our mission, please sign up to our newsletter.
