Description:
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<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Purpose</jats:title>
<jats:p>The purpose of this paper is to present insights into the way in which system change can be activated around the provision of services and support for people experiencing multiple disadvantages in an urban setting.</jats:p>
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<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Design/methodology/approach</jats:title>
<jats:p>This paper is informed by a thematic analysis of reflections, reports, learning logs, interviews and experiences of those “activating” system change in the Golden Key partnership in Bristol between 2014 and 2021.</jats:p>
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<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Findings</jats:title>
<jats:p>Four themes are identified, including “creating the conditions for change”, “framing your involvement”, “investing in relationships” and “reflective practice and learning”. For each of these, an illustrative vignette is provided.</jats:p>
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<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Practical implications</jats:title>
<jats:p>Practical recommendations and reflective questions are provided with suggestions of further considerations for applying this approach in different contexts.</jats:p>
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<jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Originality/value</jats:title>
<jats:p>This paper describes an original approach of activating and supporting people to do system change to improve the lives of people facing multiple disadvantages.</jats:p>
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