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.
Empowering women of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and abilities to be active in ways right for them through our local campaign, LLR Girls Can (Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Girls Can).
The Staying Well programme was commissioned to tackle loneliness and promote wellbeing. Three community anchor organisations that run the scheme have developed bespoke approaches to engage men which involves a photography-themed walking group, a reminiscing group for older BME residents and a Men’s Sheds project.
A community development fund was set up to develop new schemes and strengthening existing ones. It was a three-year project which then launched to create a movement among local men and empower them to engage others in their health and wellbeing. Public-facing staff in places such as barbers, cafes and tattoo shops have been given mental first aid training.
The council is funding places on a healthy lifestyle football-based programme for overweight men, with around 90 per cent of those that take part loosing weight during the 10-week course. The initiative is being used as a stepping stone to get men into other activities as well as providing wider support.
The London borough has launched a programme to improve the mental health of young black men. The three-year project involves work in schools, community outreach as well as training for frontline staff such as police. Barbers have also been given training to support their clients and refer into support services
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.
Devon County Council (DCC) set a net zero target by 2030 and is implementing a carbon reduction plan to reduce its emissions by 70 per cent. This leaves about 112,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) to offset at 2030/31 and beyond.