Innovation in local government is about improving the lives of the people in our
communities. Browse through our case studies to see the many innovative programmes councils are involved
in.
Middlesbrough’s Family Hubs are shaping a parenting offer that is easy to access, relational, and woven through day-to-day early years practice in the borough.
Blackpool Council has developed a unique campus model for delivering integrated services to children, young people, and families. This model is built around three Family Hubs located in the north, central, and south areas of Blackpool.
Early Support Group (ESG) was delivered by Children’s Centre’s practitioners prior to Family Hubs funding, so is part of our core offer.
In 2022 Derby City received Family Hubs funding and commissioned the Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) service to support the delivery of the Neurodiverse pathway, that surrounds ESG.
Coventry City Council, along with the multiagency partnership, has developed a city-wide model of integrated family support through eight Family Hub locations.
Runnymede Borough Council have funded the delivery of interactive environmental workshops for Great Big Green Week using LEGO elements for primary and junior schools in the borough.
Halton Borough Council has developed a comprehensive strategy to embed father-inclusive practice across its Family Hubs and partner services. Recognising fathers as vital caregivers, the initiative promotes inclusive language, tailored service design, staff training, and community collaboration. The strategy includes flexible programming, digital engagement, and policy reform to improve access and outcomes.
The Barnet KidsTime Workshop offers an evidence-based intervention that is aligned with the NHS 10-year plan and strategic objectives relating to Family First for Children, Best Start for Life, and Neighbourhood Health.
The Family and Baby (FAB) Project, funded through the Family Hubs Programme, supports families with babies in neonatal care across Lincolnshire. Operating from Lincoln and Boston Neonatal Units, the FAB team provides early, relationship-based support to improve attachment, infant development, and parental wellbeing.
Recognising that helping families across the whole of Cambridgeshire could lead to better outcomes, Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council began working together on an Early Years Strategy in 2017, in partnership with colleagues across the children’s health system and communities.
Two years before receiving funding from the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, the team in Islington completed a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) of the 0-5 population and their families. Following the introduction of the Family Hub model, an additional wider needs assessment of the 0-18 population (and 0-25 for special educational needs) was completed in line with Family Hub and Start for Life programme expectations. Together, this helped to identify key areas of focus for Islington’s Start for Life services.