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.
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.
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.
Nawaal’s journey through children’s services is defined by persistence, initiative, and a desire to make systems work better for those who rely on them most. As a care-experienced young person who built her path from volunteering to securing an official role, she has become a strong advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful engagement. Her work spans council-wide projects, national representation, and the creation of platforms designed to uplift other care leavers
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.
Since 2021, Hounslow’s Community Development Team has pioneered a place-based approach to community engagement, partnership working, and local democracy. By embedding officers in neighbourhoods, facilitating networks of voluntary and community groups, and transforming traditional council forums into collaborative spaces, the team has built the infrastructure for genuine civic participation and collective action.
The development of an agile and flexible online app that would provide all information in one place with the ability to interrogate performance alongside other key issues such as risk and finance.
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.
Relaxed Inclusive Autism Friendly Tennis: Working with Hinckley and Bosworth Council(HBBC) supported a “Come and Try it Day” at Sport in Desford, offering young people with a disability the chance to try a range of sports.
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.