Innovation in local government is about improving the lives of the people in our
communities. Browse through our case studies to see the many innovative programmes councils are involved
in.
Wiltshire includes 65 kilometres of the Kennet and Avon Canal and is home to a vibrant and diverse ‘boater’ community. Wiltshire Council’s public health team has been working with them to find out more about this unique way of life.
In Worcestershire, a small team of service-user volunteers provide support and resources to people affected by drug and alcohol misuse who do not engage with conventional treatment services. This is just one element of the work underway to reduce the health inequalities for this vulnerable group of people.
City of York’s public health team recognised that the children in asylum-seeking families had often missed out on routine vaccinations. When other parts of Yorkshire experienced measles outbreaks, the team worked with local partners to prevent an outbreak in York’s migrant population.
Stainforth is a small town in South Yorkshire. This former mining community is located within the City of Doncaster local authority area and has a population of around 6,000. The Shaping Stainforth SPHL programme aims to take a complex system approach to improving the determinants of mental health in Stainforth by building on community strengths and assets.
Newham Council, along with its partners, is adopting a complex systems approach to building food security among young people aged 11 to 19. Nutrition plays a crucial role during adolescence, the second-fastest growth phase after the first two years of life, and is vital for long-term adult health. Food insecurity is a major contributor to poor health outcomes, and Newham’s goal is to shift how food insecurity interventions are framed, designed and delivered for this age group.
Colchester City Council launched a cost of living campaign in July 2022 to support residents of Colchester who may be facing financial hardship due to rising energy, food and fuel costs. The campaign aimed to showcase and signpost support available across the city from a wide range of partners, not just the council itself.
Richmond and Wandsworth Borough Councils commissioned Loudmouth to incorporate Theatre in Education (TiE) into their approach to the prevention of exploitation of children and young people and raise awareness on harmful sexual behaviours such as sexual harassment and assault. Loudmouth is an innovative TiE company with over 30 years’ experience of collaborating with local authorities to support Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) and safeguarding in schools and other educational venues.
Bradford Respite Intermediate Care Support Services was launched in 2013 to support people who were ready for discharge from hospital, but who are homeless, at risk of being homeless or those who are unable to return to unsuitable housing. It provides accommodation and clinical care from a 13-bed ground floor building, which used to be a care home, with four bungalows also available to provide step-down accommodation.
Kirklees commissions a wide range of supported housing services from general needs accommodation to specialist services for people with learning disabilities. These options include a dedicated accommodation offer for those who are getting treatment for substance misuse or have been just released from prison.
The needs of people being referred into support housing are increasing. In response to that, Medway Council and its providers have worked hard to offer extra support to help those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.