Case studies

Torbay Council needed to construct new sea defences at two beaches. The original design was met with substantial public opposition, demonstrating significant community ‘buy-in’ to the appearance of the seafront. The council decided to pause the project and commission new designs, created using co-design and consultation principles.

Birmingham City Council’s public health team wanted a new way to engage with the different faith communities in their area. Recognising the innately personal nature of faith and health, the council developed a series of community profiles which reflected the individual faiths and their practices.

Cheshire East Council worked with Positive Money to run a People’s Panel on the cost of living crisis in October 2022.

The North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) was established in 2018 with a new, directly elected mayor in May 2019. Set up to support an inclusive economy in the region, the mayor has been keen to engage with all communities and in particular understand the barriers to job participation in the region.

Snitterfield Parish Council wanted to transform their local playing fields, but with plans costing around £100,000, the project stalled and the community became disengaged. Using seed funding from a county councillor, and working with design experts, the council held an engagement day, inviting residents to come and design the park.

During COVID-19, misinformation circulated among communities and there was some distrust of the council. Communities reported feeling disengaged from official sources. Through Community Champions - trusted voices from the community - Staffordshire County Council has built trust and capability within communities and used existing community networks to relay important health information.

Stroud District Council has fundamentally shifted its approach to community engagement. Having learned during COVID-19 that some communities were stepping into frontline service delivery without the necessary skills; the council focused on building capability within communities.

Wigan Council worked closely with survivors of domestic abuse to drive a step change in the borough’s response to this complex social problem. This included an award-winning media and engagement campaign, 'Love is Not Abuse', which challenged widespread assumptions about what constitutes domestic abuse and the most effective ways to communicate with victims.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has been seeking to add value to the work of its 10 member councils by leading a whole system response to the cost of living pressures. This includes data gathering, sharing information, and practical advice for particular groups of residents..

The Gorton Hub provides a one-stop-shop for residents to access a range of health and social care services, employment support and more.