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.
Melton Borough Council in Leicestershire has funded a local farming support service to run health checks at a livestock market. Physical health checks are offered alongside support for mental health twice a month and more than 500 farmers have taken up the option in the past year.
A community champions project set up to enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake has been re-purposed to work on projects to tackle health inequalities. Men’s health is one of the priorities with plans for health workshops in the community and other workstreams for the homeless and on nutrition will also benefit men.
Wakefield is taking part in the Sport England and Football Foundation’s Active Through Football scheme. There are a range of different activities run in deprived areas of district, including a number specifically targeting men. This also includes a 10-week fitness and lifestyle programme aimed at inactive over 30-year-olds and a initiatives aimed at older people.
Funding has been provided to a grassroots charity to run a project aimed at supporting men’s mental health. Hikes and sports sessions are combined with talking therapy-based work. More than 200 men are now involved after scheme launched less than 18 months ago.
The Birmingham Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, known as ‘Bring it on Brum!’, is designed to address the ‘holiday experience gap’ for children and young people from low-income households.
This special mention recognises their innovative use of Assistive Technology (AT) to help children, young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their families, access timely and efficient care solutions.
Health inequalities are continuing to rise, and a response from Birmingham City Council Public Health to alleviate this burden, is to explore and promote different models of service redesign that improve quality and experience of health for all our citizens.
A notable achievement in Knowsley is the strength of partnership working, particularly through the Combating Drugs Partnership, which has facilitated collaboration and ongoing follow-up on conversations and plans among stakeholders.