Published: 28 August 2026
Surrey’s Changing Futures Programme, Bridge the Gap Service, which is delivered by twelve local Surrey specialist homeless, mental health and domestic abuse charities has been named a finalist in the Surrey and Sussex BBC Make A Difference Awards 2026
This recognition celebrates the outstanding work of Surrey’s specialist community teams in supporting residents experiencing multiple disadvantage through trauma-informed practice and coordinated support across health, housing, criminal justice and domestic abuse services.
The BBC Make A Difference Awards Community Group finalist nomination highlights the programme’s success in preventing homelessness and rough sleeping, tackling health inequalities, and ensuring vulnerable residents receive the joined-up support they need so that no one is left behind.
Between 2022 to summer 2026, the programme was funded by central government and the national lottery community fund with additional funding from Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner. It has helped people experiencing complex challenges including poor mental health, substance misuse and domestic abuse, by connecting them with the joined-up support they need to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping.
Through initiatives such as Bridge the Gap, delivered by 12 local charities in Surrey, the programme has ensured vulnerable residents do not fall through gaps in services. Funding is provided by Surrey County Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The programme’s person-centred, trauma-informed approach is delivering strong results, with 72% of people supported reporting improved mental health and emotional wellbeing, and 75% feeling more connected to their communities. It has also trained more than 2,400 frontline professionals across Surrey in trauma-informed support.
People who have benefited from the programme have described feeling listened to, valued and cared for, with lived experience playing a key role in shaping these services.
The recent announcement to end rough sleeping by The Prime Minister has linked the prevention of homelessness to the Changing Futures programme by stressing a whole-system approach that targets multiple complex disadvantages—such as addiction, mental ill-health, and trauma—rather than just providing a temporary roof.
Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “The Bridge the Gap Service offers truly life-changing support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, so I am delighted to see this programme being deservedly named as a finalist in these BBC awards.
My office has helped fund Bridge the Gap for the last four years and it has proved to be a lifeline for people experiencing some really complex challenges such as poor mental health, problematic substance use and domestic abuse. The initiative not only ensures they can access the support they need to get their lives back on track, but with some it helps prevent them from experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping. This nomination is a recognition of the incredible amount of hard work that has gone into making it a success.”
Councillor Mark Nuti, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said: “I am delighted that the Changing Futures Programme has been recognised as a finalist in the BBC Make A Difference Awards. This recognition reflects the dedication of our community partners, frontline staff and, importantly, the people with lived experience who help shape the programme.
Changing Futures is making a real difference by supporting residents facing some of the most complex challenges, helping them to improve their wellbeing, rebuild their confidence and strengthen their connections within their communities and reduce health inequalities. We are committed to ensuring that no one in Surrey is left behind, and this nomination is a testament to the positive impact of that work.”
We look forward to seeing the results announced on 22 September 2026.
More information and details on how to make a referral to Bridge The Gap can be found on the Changing Futures webpage.