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.
Coventry City Council, along with the multiagency partnership, has developed a city-wide model of integrated family support through eight Family Hub locations.
Lancashire County Council tackled their foster carer shortage by launching the Pause and Reflect (PAR) model. This initiative offers up to 28 days of emergency care for children with complex needs, allowing time for assessment and calmer transitions. Experienced foster carers receive enhanced support and financial incentives.
The Solihull Family Hub App is a digital platform designed to connect families with local services, support, and activities. Currently available in 19 community languages (more can be added), the app ensures accessibility and inclusion for Solihull’s diverse population.
Runnymede Borough Council have funded the delivery of interactive environmental workshops for Great Big Green Week using LEGO elements for primary and junior schools in the borough.
Halton Borough Council has developed a comprehensive strategy to embed father-inclusive practice across its Family Hubs and partner services. Recognising fathers as vital caregivers, the initiative promotes inclusive language, tailored service design, staff training, and community collaboration. The strategy includes flexible programming, digital engagement, and policy reform to improve access and outcomes.
Queen’s Park Family Hub is one of three family hubs in the City of Westminster. Each hub has different leadership arrangements, which reflect the communities they each serve whilst the underpinning governance arrangements are the same. The integration of services at place are seen as vital in all of the hubs and this is strengthened by a local integrated leadership team around each hub.
The Barnet KidsTime Workshop offers an evidence-based intervention that is aligned with the NHS 10-year plan and strategic objectives relating to Family First for Children, Best Start for Life, and Neighbourhood Health.
The Family and Baby (FAB) Project, funded through the Family Hubs Programme, supports families with babies in neonatal care across Lincolnshire. Operating from Lincoln and Boston Neonatal Units, the FAB team provides early, relationship-based support to improve attachment, infant development, and parental wellbeing.
Historically, breastfeeding rates in Coventry have been below the national average. The infant feeding team wanted to harness the opportunity presented by the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme to increase engagement with their infant feeding services and encourage more mothers to breastfeed.
In Norfolk, the Parent-Infant Relationship service (PAIRS) and Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) service had a well-established offering before receiving Family Hubs and Start for Life programme funding.