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.
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Us Girls is an award-winning initiative designed to increase and sustain young women’s participation in sport and physical activity in low-income communities across the UK. Underpinned by the principles of Doorstep Sport, it is an evidence-based methodology that enables young women to take part in sport and physical activity in a way that suits them.
A mother was referred to the Physical Activity Social Prescribing service in her area by her GP for back pain. She was six months pregnant, solo parenting her toddler and living on the top floor of her block of flats. Life was physically tough, and she also felt very isolated. A Physical Activity Link Worker (PALW) contacted the mother, and helped to put in place solutions.
For Muslim women exercising around men is often discouraged due to modesty and practicalities of clothing. Palmer Park Leisure Centre had an underutilised space which has been transformed into a programmable gym space, with designated female only hours
In January 2023, Active Wirral, facing soaring energy costs and a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, initiated a comprehensive energy efficiency project. Through delivering a range of interventions, the project exceeded its targets, avoiding £231K in costs and saving 335 tonnes CO2e, equivalent to driving around the globe 10 times in an SUV. Lessons learned included the importance of planned preventative maintenance, engaging operational staff, showcasing quick returns on investment, leveraging diverse expertise, and utilising automated project management tools. The initiative's success has prompted plans for a second round of interventions across the Council's assets.
Trafford Council have used the legacy of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 as a huge opportunity for women and girls across Trafford to engage in a healthy lifestyle through football.
Worcestershire’s community grant programme has enabled hyperlocal projects aimed at increasing levels of physical activity for women and girls to be developed.
National children’s charity, the Youth Sport Trust worked collaboratively with Active Partners Trust (APT) to develop and deliver a programme of intervention to schools in targeted communities, to increase engagement and enjoyment of physical activity.
Insights showed that girls from Black and South Asian communities and/or from families living on low incomes have disproportionately lower levels of engagement and participation in physical activity.