Case studies

Libraries faced an unprecedented demand for their services during lockdown. Libraries Connected estimate that libraries made 5 million additional digital loans and loaned 3.5 million more e-books than usual in this period.

"Slung Low responded rapidly to the crisis facing the local community. They provided a vital lifeline to residents of Holbeck and Beeston."

Social care settings in Gateshead, both council-operated and private, could not access essential PPE as the COVID-19 emergency developed. The library service responded by developing the production of PPE visors. In total 7,500 visors were produced by the library service in 8 weeks.

The Old Courts Arts Centre is a six year old multi-arts organisation based in Wigan. They initially had no concept of the impact the pandemic would have on The Old Courts. When the pandemic hit, they needed to find a way to stay connected to the local community.

Bristol City Council’s whole city approach to childhood obesity is long-term, cross-council and all-encompassing. Ambitious targets include a halt in the rise of childhood obesity by 2026.

A programme supporting minority ethnic women during and after pregnancy is just one of Coventry City Council’s early interventions which are having a positive impact on healthy choices. 

Wigan commissions leisure services to provide an integrated health and wellbeing offering which makes full use of the community assets that families trust most - schools and Start Well Family Centres - as well as providing weight management services for children and young people.

This case study details the journey that London Borough of Bexley Council has been on in the design and tender launch of a new homelessness social impact bond (SIB) service. The technical support that we commissioned using the Housing Adviser Programme grant funding has been integral to this journey and offered the SIB expertise for devising the service outcomes, developing the operational model and advising on procurement. The £1.6 million SIB contract was awarded in September.

ArtsTrain is a creative music programme run by leading social enterprise Mytime Active since 2008. The programme supports thousands of children and young people within communities across the London Boroughs of Bromley, Bexley and Lewisham, targeting those who are not engaged in arts and culture and face challenging circumstances.

The story so far Gareth Spooner is employed as staff wellbeing coordinator at Portsmouth City Council in a post that was initially funded jointly by HR and Public Health and has since become part of the HR establishment.