Case studies

Nottingham’s new central library opened in November 2023. The redevelopment of the site enabled an immersive early years space to be created, alongside a craft/activity room, exhibition space and engaging children’s library.

Following feedback from some of Barnet’s 400+ care experienced young people aged 14 and over (many of whom are unaccompanied asylum seekers), Barnet Council recently extended the support it offers, launching a “service for life” through its Local Offer and at the dedicated Onwards and Upwards Young People’s Centre.

Shropshire’s focus centred on reframing food insecurity, helping people to maximise their incomes, and bringing communities and organisations together to co-create solutions. These key levers were identified from learning about the issue locally and developing a Theory of Change informed by this understanding.

The Shaping Places Healthier Lives (SPHL) project initially aimed to address local issues such as anti-social behaviour and fear of crime. However, it quickly became apparent that strengthening community cohesion was key to tackling these challenges and improving health and well-being, especially near the town centre where communities were most affected by health inequality.

Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council worked together with local partners to explore and address the issues and drivers causing food insecurity in seven areas of high need.

In the London boroughs of Camden, Islington and Haringey, a long-established sexual health promotion outreach team provides a trusted gateway linking sex workers with other services.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been working with the NHS and other partners to increase uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, particularly in the most vulnerable communities.

Cornwall Council’s public health team have been looking at the experience of inclusion health groups including Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and the sea fishing community. The aim is to better understand their health experiences and improve access to services and facilities.

The vision for inclusion health in the East Riding is to reduce health inequalities through ensuring equitable access to services and targeted engagement to marginalised communities. This means working proactively with groups at higher risk of poor health outcomes to raise awareness of healthcare and facilitate access to it, so that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve positive health outcomes.

Severe multiple disadvantage (SMD) refers to people who face multiple challenges including mental ill-health, substance use, contact with the criminal justice system, domestic abuse and homelessness. Nottinghamshire County Council’s public health division is taking a ‘Making Every Adult Matter’ approach in its work with people experiencing SMD.