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.
Who Let The Dads Out? is a national network of community groups that give fathers and father figures regular, welcoming spaces to spend quality time with their children. Launched in 2003 at Hoole Baptist Church in Chester, the model has grown to over 175 groups across the UK.
This case study details the implementation of the Starting Reception resource throughout Tower Hamlets Family Hubs as part of the School Readiness Programme.
The Coventry Parent Voice Network was established to amplify parent and carer involvement in shaping local services, driven by Family Hub and Start for Life National Framework to create Parent Carer Panels.
A GP recognized a young, struggling single mother's deeper family crises during a routine appointment but had no time to address them. By referring her to a local Family Wellbeing Centre, the mother received holistic support for her child's needs, finances, and wellbeing, which also helped her manage her own health. This case highlights the powerful, necessary partnership between time-pressed GPs, who identify hidden needs, and community hubs, which provide the sustained, practical support families require.
Babies have a voice – that is, they have a right to have their views taken seriously in decisions affecting their lives. This voice is best interpreted through warm relationships with those who know them well. This resource covers the importance of listening to babies’ views to understand their experiences and give them the best start in life.
The development and implementation of the Enhanced Infant Feeding Service provide a community-based frenotomy clinic across LLR, developed through partnership between Family Hubs, LPT, and the ICB.
Fantastic 2s began in late 2016 as a small pilot – and nine years on, it’s still going strong! The programme was born out of a clear need: the uptake of free early education places was worryingly low.
Feel Good in the Forest is a social prescribing initiative from Forestry England and Sport England, designed to support people with mild to moderate health conditions through nature-based activities. It is delivered at four forests including Chopwell Wood, Gateshead, and Thames Chase, London. It helps local communities improve their wellbeing by engaging with nature and physical activity. Forestry England has worked with Havering Council and Gateshead Council to help address local population health need, support the delivery of strategic priorities and connect more people with nature for their wellbeing.
The Mandarin Mums session at the Isle of Dogs Family Hub is an innovative, culturally tailored initiative designed to support Mandarin-speaking families in the Southeast Locality of Tower Hamlets. This case study outlines the pressing need identified within the local community and details how the session effectively addressed these challenges, fostering inclusion, wellbeing, and empowerment.
The Isle of Wight Family Hubs enhanced antenatal support by integrating maternity services with Family Hub programmes, notably the evidence-based “Welcome to the World.” This initiative improved early engagement, increased parental confidence, and strengthened pathways to postnatal services. Midwives refer families via Badgernet at 16 weeks, boosting access to workshops and support. Data shows rising participation and improved parental wellbeing, especially among underrepresented group