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.
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.
In recognition of its deep-rooted military heritage, Portsmouth City Council has developed a comprehensive, collaborative approach to supporting homeless veterans. With over 37,000 residents identifying as part of the Armed Forces community, around 18% of the city’s population, the council has embedded veteran support into its strategic planning and service delivery.
In June 2025, Dudley Council launched a new spoke within its Family Hub Network at Halesowen Leisure Centre, marking a significant step in expanding access to integrated support for families.
In 2019, Plymouth consulted with children and families across the city to understand their perspectives on babies’, children’s and young people’s services. The consultation found that families had to navigate a complex system to access support. Furthermore, vulnerable families were sometimes distressed when they interacted with too many practitioners who they did not have an existing relationship with, reiterating their story multiple times.
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 Health Equity Teams (HET) programme in Lewisham was developed to address racial health inequalities identified in the Birmingham and Lewisham African and Caribbean Health Inequalities (BLACHIR) report.
The Public Health team within Hackney Council is working with partners across maternity and children’s services to promote holistic awareness and support for foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)--an often overlooked and underdiagnosed health condition affecting children and families exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.
Doncaster, has spent the last three years working in partnership with local organisations to better serve our youngest children, aged 0-5, their families and educators.