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.
Newham Council, along with its partners, is adopting a complex systems approach to building food security among young people aged 11 to 19. Nutrition plays a crucial role during adolescence, the second-fastest growth phase after the first two years of life, and is vital for long-term adult health. Food insecurity is a major contributor to poor health outcomes, and Newham’s goal is to shift how food insecurity interventions are framed, designed and delivered for this age group.
The vision for inclusion health in the East Riding is to reduce health inequalities through ensuring equitable access to services and targeted engagement to marginalised communities. This means working proactively with groups at higher risk of poor health outcomes to raise awareness of healthcare and facilitate access to it, so that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve positive health outcomes.
In Worcestershire, a small team of service-user volunteers provide support and resources to people affected by drug and alcohol misuse who do not engage with conventional treatment services. This is just one element of the work underway to reduce the health inequalities for this vulnerable group of people.
Shropshire’s focus centred on reframing food insecurity, helping people to maximise their incomes, and bringing communities and organisations together to co-create solutions. These key levers were identified from learning about the issue locally and developing a Theory of Change informed by this understanding.
In the London boroughs of Camden, Islington and Haringey, a long-established sexual health promotion outreach team provides a trusted gateway linking sex workers with other services.
Severe multiple disadvantage (SMD) refers to people who face multiple challenges including mental ill-health, substance use, contact with the criminal justice system, domestic abuse and homelessness. Nottinghamshire County Council’s public health division is taking a ‘Making Every Adult Matter’ approach in its work with people experiencing SMD.
The Air Quality team at the Regulatory Services Partnership, led by Merton Council including Richmond and Wandsworth, is a tri-borough coalition that is on a mission to clean up the air in London.
Richmond and Wandsworth Borough Councils commissioned Loudmouth to incorporate Theatre in Education (TiE) into their approach to the prevention of exploitation of children and young people and raise awareness on harmful sexual behaviours such as sexual harassment and assault. Loudmouth is an innovative TiE company with over 30 years’ experience of collaborating with local authorities to support Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) and safeguarding in schools and other educational venues.