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.
Summary
Sandwell Council and Sandwell Primary Care Trust (PCT) have created the Sandwell Healthy Urban Development Unit (SHUDU). This is a forum for officers and members to coordinate and integrate spatial planning and efforts to reduce health inequalities.
These nine case studies showcase local government experience of commissioning sexual health services since taking over this responsibility in April 2013. The studies demonstrate how commissioners have grasped the opportunities of having a local government base.
Local practice and approaches focused on reducing the use of specialist hospital beds for people with a learning disability and/or autism and enabling people to live good lives in the community.
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Twin Valley Homes have turned a wilting nursery business into a community work scheme. The Four Seasons garden project aims to get people from deprived areas into work, partly as a way to improve their health. Part of Lifestyles for Work, the project is also looking at ways to increase the environmental sustainability of both the site and its partner organisations.
Summary
Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council has commissioned housing charity Shelter to run a family intervention project (FIP) to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB). Project workers intervene assertively with perpetrators' whole families to address the root causes, including mental health problems, thereby reducing the effect on victims.
Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board understood that building strong and respectful relationships was the key to its effectiveness. With many unknowns regarding the precise role of the board and the influence it would have, the members were conscious that they had to take their time to make sure that they were making the right, considered choices.
This compilation of case studies shows how local authorities are continuing to make progress on improving health and wellbeing and tackling health inequalities since public health was formally transferred in April 2013. It follows last year's compilation, Public health transformation nine months on: bedding in and reaching out.
This resource describes how public health in a number of councils has started to use the opportunities of a local government setting to improve health and wellbeing.