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.
Recognising that fragmented perinatal parent infant mental health support led to poorer outcomes, Sheffield City Council brought together Health, the Local Authority and other key partners to create a citywide Perinatal Mental Health, Infant Mental Health, and Parent Infant Relationship connected pathway of care. The model has enabled increased integration and collaboration across services improved early identification, prevention and equity of access for communities experiencing marginalisation.
East Sussex early years’ service operates as an integrated model, supporting children and families from birth to 19 years. The Health Visiting Service delivers the 0-5 Healthy Child programme via a skill mix team. Some of the interventions which support families are delivered via an integrated model with support from Early Years Practitioners.
In Halton, there has been a focus on addressing the emotional challenges of motherhood and the cultural barriers to breastfeeding. This builds on The Holding Time Project by artist Lisa Creagh, an initiative that challenges stereotypes and cultural norms, which was launched in Halton in 2024.
Bristol City Council is keen for there to be ‘no wrong front door’ for families seeking to access support and provision. To increase accessibility to Family Hubs and the breadth of support available, their Family Hub Programme has sought to partner with the local VCFSE sector, who are already supporting families in the city through sustainable, trusted relationships and grassroots projects.
Wiltshire Council launched the Warm and Safe Wiltshire programme in 2015 to provide energy advice to local residents. 10 years on, the public health team have expanded the programme in collaboration with libraries and community spaces to reach residents across Wiltshire.
This case study details how CELT’s civic strategy aims to foster a community response and approach to improving outcomes for children in the mid Cornwall area. To capture this learning an interview took place with Claire Bunting Director of Reach for CELT, led by Ann Van Dyke.
The aim of the project is to increase the number of people with lived experience of disability, mental health and long-term health conditions to be more active and move in a way that suits them. The project includes workforce development, primary data collection and a focus on system change.
In Spring 2025, Plymouth Active - Plymouth City Council’s in-house-run leisure centre - launched a collaboration with Parkinson’s UK to provide free swimming and Good Boost sessions for individuals living with Parkinson’s.
Sport in Mind is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of anyone experiencing mental health challenges across the UK, including those with disabilities and long-term health conditions, through sport and physical activity.