Case studies

The NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid Vaccination Programme, which incorporates local government public health representation, has set up an inequalities sub-group to its strategic board, which has been looking at those that are a particular risk of not taking up the vaccine. 

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.

Portsmouth’s sexual health workforce has been upskilling frontline staff from other services to have healthy conversations about sexual health and in particular pregnancy planning. Staff including midwives, health visitors and social care workers have all received tailored training.

Falls can have a devastating impact on an older person’s life, causing physical injury and a loss of confidence and independence. This project aims to improve prevention and management of falls to reduce the impact on older residents and the health and social care system.

To help ensure good take-up of health checks in Suffolk, workshops are held for people with learning disabilities and their carers explaining what the annual checks involve and how people can get registered for them. They are run by a team of peer educators who are people with learning disabilities themselves who have been trained by Ace Anglia.

Lancashire County Council's Shared Lives scheme matches people with learning disabilities with families in the community so they can live in their home, becoming part of their family, developing independence and friendships, gaining confidence and new living skills.

The Hope service provides psychosocial and practical support for men aged 30–64 who are at risk of suicide, advising them in relation to any money, employment, benefit, or housing problems they may identify.

The transfer of responsibility for areas of public health in April 2013 from the NHS to local government is one of the most significant extensions of local government powers and duties in a generation. It represents a unique opportunity to change the focus from treating sickness to actively promoting health and wellbeing (the prevention agenda).

Public health made the formal transfer to local government in April 2013, and in the subsequent months great strides have been made to tackle the wider social and economic determinants of poor health.

This compilation of case studies shows how local authorities are continuing to make progress on improving health and wellbeing and tackling health inequalities since public health was formally transferred in April 2013. It follows last year's compilation, Public health transformation nine months on: bedding in and reaching out.