Case studies

In 2016, Gloucestershire schools faced high exclusion rates, leading to the introduction of restorative practices, which significantly reduced suspensions and improved attendance. Now implemented in over 70 schools, the approach fosters safer environments, better mental health, and improved teacher retention.

Bee Counted is an inspection process where young people inspect health services across Greater Manchester. The aim of ensuring health services are responsive to the needs of young people by listening to their views and acting on them.

Established in 2020 Bee Heard works in partnership with the Community and Crisis Mental Health Boards. The aim is to give young people aged 16-24, from across Greater Manchester an opportunity to shape and advise on a wide range of mental health services.

Helping Hands is a partnership between Phoenix Detached Youth Project and Connexions, North Tyneside, providing integrated support for mental health, emotional wellbeing, education, and employment. The programme offers ongoing group and 1:1 support for young people facing challenges like anxiety, low mood, and social isolation.

In response to rising mental health concerns and a lack of facilities for young people in St Neots, Cllr Claire Mascarenhas spearheaded a community-driven initiative. This included hiring a dedicated Youth Worker, involving young people in the recruitment process, and securing additional funding to further support local youth mental health needs.

Sutton’s Mental Health Support Team, embedded within the Educational Psychology service, builds strong connections with schools and support services to offer early intervention for mental health. The team also addresses parental anxiety and works to improve school attendance linked to mental health issues.

The ESCC set up a project based on a ‘social prescribing' approach to personalised care. The project aimed to use Personal Health Budgets to support care experienced young people who were identified as experiencing difficulties with their Mental Health and Wellbeing, whose lives were impacted adversely from their own experiences in life, as well as through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ready, Sett Go is a free physical development programme for nurseries and school reception classes. It’s a 10 week programme that uses physical activity and play to develop children’s fine and gross motor skills (large and small muscle movements). These skills are important for a child’s fundamental movements but also contribute to a wider range of developments such as writing and communication.

Waltham Forest Council has established a dynamic, youth-focused initiative to provide young people (aged 11-25) with free, accessible spaces and activities that address not only crime prevention but also broader issues such as poverty, anti-social behaviour (ASB), and mental health.

Healthy Movers is for children aged two to five years old. Through a range of physical play and activities, the programme aims to improve children’s physical literacy and development, and support their social and emotional wellbeing, which helps children gain a better start in life.