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.
Through the local authority public health teams in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, a proportion of the NHS England suicide prevention funding was allocated to develop a suicide bereavement service. This provides emotional and practical support to people affected by a suicide, possible suicide or sudden and unexplained death.
The INTENT programme was developed by team of psychologists at the University of Leeds and its use is now being supported by the social enterprise Evidence to Impact.
In Bournemouth, a cluster of suicides linked to the railways led to targeted action by public health, council, transport and community partners. The response included a strong focus on communications, helping to change how the local media reports on suicide and mental health.
West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership is working to ensure that people who have been affected by suicide can help to shape the training, support and resources on offer. One project has been looking to reduce the risk of suicide within West Yorkshire’s Gypsy and Traveller community.
Residents in Southampton who want to quit smoking and need help can access national NHS materials and an eight-week package of help via many pharmacies or their GP practice if they need it.
The two London boroughs of Camden and Islington have used some of their suicide prevention funding to provide a dedicated psychotherapy service for young adults leaving care. Tailored support is delivered in community settings through a local voluntary sector partner, the Brandon Centre.
Buckinghamshire Council launched Smokefree Sidelines in 2022. The campaign encourages local football clubs to not allow smoking or vaping at youth matches.
Everyday Active is a campaign created and developed by Active Kent & Medway, the Active Partnership for Kent and Medway, which is one of 43 Active Partnerships in England and hosted by Kent County Council.
Trafford Moving is the borough’s physical activity and sport strategy. The strategy aims to address the issue of physical inactivity in Trafford by maximising community assets such as parks and leisure centres, and is a key part of Trafford’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Trafford Together.