Case studies

Brighton and Hove Council employs a multi-agency, stepped care approach to support children and young people’s mental health. These services are embedded in every secondary school, extend to primary schools and colleges, and offer a range of interventions to support mental health at all levels.

In 2016, Gloucestershire schools faced high exclusion rates, leading to the introduction of restorative practices, which significantly reduced suspensions and improved attendance. Now implemented in over 70 schools, the approach fosters safer environments, better mental health, and improved teacher retention.

Bee Counted is an inspection process where young people inspect health services across Greater Manchester. The aim of ensuring health services are responsive to the needs of young people by listening to their views and acting on them.

Established in 2020 Bee Heard works in partnership with the Community and Crisis Mental Health Boards. The aim is to give young people aged 16-24, from across Greater Manchester an opportunity to shape and advise on a wide range of mental health services.

Helping Hands is a partnership between Phoenix Detached Youth Project and Connexions, North Tyneside, providing integrated support for mental health, emotional wellbeing, education, and employment. The programme offers ongoing group and 1:1 support for young people facing challenges like anxiety, low mood, and social isolation.

In response to rising mental health concerns and a lack of facilities for young people in St Neots, Cllr Claire Mascarenhas spearheaded a community-driven initiative. This included hiring a dedicated Youth Worker, involving young people in the recruitment process, and securing additional funding to further support local youth mental health needs.

Sutton’s Mental Health Support Team, embedded within the Educational Psychology service, builds strong connections with schools and support services to offer early intervention for mental health. The team also addresses parental anxiety and works to improve school attendance linked to mental health issues.

How a Surrey council turned itself around with a transformation programme taking it from the brink of bankruptcy four years ago to being confident in its financial position.

Sutton’s family hubs have a universal parenting service that has been developed for parents by parents. The programmes are facilitated by trained parent group leaders and have been incorporated into the wider parenting support offer of the family hubs.

This case study highlights the work that Birmingham City Council has undertaken using LG Inform Plus. This includes their use of the direct data feed Application Programable Interface (API) which allows them to view and download open data about local areas.