Case studies

Four north east London boroughs - Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest - are working with the local NHS and private sector partners to trail a range of different technologies to help people with long-term conditions.

This case study shows the excellent work that public health in local government is doing to commission for quality and best value across all areas.

The London Borough of Waltham Forest set up a social prescribing service five years ago. The team works with primary care in the NHS and community groups across the area to link people in with activities and support. Loneliness is one of the most common reasons for a referral. But thanks to the support being provided residents are being helped to learn new skills and take part in a variety of activities, reducing isolation in the process.

Early in 2022, two leisure centres in the London Borough of Sutton began delivering therapeutic exercise programmes as part of the MSK Hubs programme.

Care homes COVID-19 crisis prompted a local innovative, evidence-based approach to tackling COVID-19 infections/outbreaks and other challenges faced by Sutton care homes.

Key among this has been the adoption of a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach by the public health directorate, which aims to maximise how health and wellbeing interventions and outcomes are integrated across the council. 

Increasing physical activity among children and young people is a central goal of Southwark Council’s holistic approach to tackling child obesity. From planning development, designing transport to commissioning leisure services with specific health outputs, the promotion of more active lifestyles is a strategic aim.

This case study forms part of Shaping Places for Healthier Lives, a grant programme funding five council-led partnerships across England to build places that support good health for all. The programme is funded by the Health Foundation, delivered in partnership with the Local Government Association, and supported in delivery and learning by the Design Council and Cordis Bright/PPL. 

The London borough of Lewisham is making tackling food poverty a priority in the recovery from the pandemic.

Lambeth Advance Care Planning Consortium, an open network of statutory and voluntary sector organisations promoting the importance of recording future care and treatment wishes, is dedicated to ensuring everyone across the borough has the opportunity to make an advance care plan. This case study forms part of our end of life care guide for councils.