Case studies

Reigate and Banstead’s community development workers are a key part of the borough council’s work to tackle social isolation. They are embedded in the community and work with people of all ages, helping establish volunteer networks for older people, intergenerational art and craft groups and activities for teenagers and young people.

An alliance bringing together the public, private and voluntary sectors has been supported by Stockport Council to help tackle digital exclusion. Local residents have been trained to become “digital champions” and a dedicated helpline and a device lending library set up. Since the programme started in 2018 thousands of residents have been helped improve their digital skills, reduce the risk of isolation in the process.

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.

Worcestershire County Council commissions a specialist loneliness service. People referred in are assigned case workers who support them to access local activities as well as helping to build up their confidence. More than 900 people have been helped over the last 18 months.

Camden has developed Minding the Gap, delivered by a partnership between the council, the CCG and the voluntary sector, to improve the mental health of young people aged 16-24.

Response are the largest third sector provider of mental health and wellbeing services tailored to young people in Oxfordshire. In partnership with six voluntary and community sector providers, Response came together to develop the Mental Wealth Academy.

East Sussex County Council consists of coastal areas with multiple deprivations (despite the county overall being relatively affluent) and there is also fluctuation in the demand for mental health services.

Portsmouth has developed a Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) Strategy for Children and Young People 0-25 for 2020-2023, as part of a set of strategies which make up the Children's Trust Plan.

The Integrated Community Response (ICR) service is one such example, where Salford Council is working closely with 42nd Street, CAMHS and Salford Mind.

In the past two years, Sefton Council, the two CCGs and Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust have been working collaboratively to develop early intervention services across Sefton that young people have access to before reaching a ‘breaking point’ in their mental health.