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.
Supported by Calderdale’s ‘Short Breaks for Disabled Children’ initiative, a varied programme of sport and leisure activities enables SEND children, young people and adults to access and participate in a wide range of sport and leisure activities.
In order to support more young women and girls from low-income communities to be more active, StreetGames supported five groups of young people to undertake peer research with other young people in their communities and to use their findings to develop a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style pitch which secured social action funding from the South East & Mid Wales Collaborative Construction Framework (SEWSCAP - now rebranded as ARDAL).
People from lower socio-economic groups face numerous challenges in accessing sports, including tennis. LTA SERVES brings tennis to underserved communities, targeting children aged 4-18. The programme provides training and free equipment to locally trusted organisations and leaders who know their communities best, to deliver engaging activity to young people. LTA SERVES promotes participation, inclusion, and community cohesion, delivering significant benefits in well-being, physical health, and sense of community among both participants and Activators.
Oldham Local Studies and Archives used a Records at Risk grant to transfer records, purchase conservation materials and catalogue their collection which included a large number of digital records. The funding enabled the project team to catalogue this collection, acquire new digital preservation software, and contribute to upskilling staff in digital preservation.
In 2023, Archives: Wigan & Leigh initiated a series of Reminiscence Workshops in local care homes. Thirteen one-hour long sessions have been run across four care homes to date, with between ten and fifteen participants attending each session.
Buckinghamshire Archives worked with the National Paralympic Heritage Trust (NPHT) to make their internationally important archival collections relating to disability sports more accessible.
Northumberland Archives applied to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) for a project to make manorial records more accessible to all and to help people use them both creatively and for research.
We wanted to make accessing evidence-based parenting support easier for parents. We wanted to run programmes in local communities and schools, which parents would find available on their doorstep.
The Amber Foundation provides young adults with the tools and guidance they need to overcome homelessness, find employment and build a positive future.
Eco Rewards’ unique scheme offers rewards and incentives to promote greener travel, healthier lifestyle choices, and reduce carbon footprint, driving long-term behaviour change. Users can report their cycling, walking, and active travel journeys by scanning over 150 QR codes throughout Bracknell Forest with the app or self-reporting online.