Case studies

Leeds City Council has a clear focus on the social care workforce, its aim is to support the social care workforce to have the best skills, founded upon high quality research and evidence that improves the health and wellbeing of the people of Leeds. In order to deliver an effective, skilled social care workforce in Leeds, the DASS has invested in the organisational and workforce development team to deliver a range of services.

This case study is an example of the practical use of asset-based approaches in communities.

City of York’s public health team recognised that the children in asylum-seeking families had often missed out on routine vaccinations. When other parts of Yorkshire experienced measles outbreaks, the team worked with local partners to prevent an outbreak in York’s migrant population.

This resource describes how public health in a number of councils has started to use the opportunities of a local government setting to improve health and wellbeing.

Worcestershire County Council commissions a specialist loneliness service. People referred in are assigned case workers who support them to access local activities as well as helping to build up their confidence. More than 900 people have been helped over the last 18 months.

In Worcestershire, a small team of service-user volunteers provide support and resources to people affected by drug and alcohol misuse who do not engage with conventional treatment services. This is just one element of the work underway to reduce the health inequalities for this vulnerable group of people.

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

Funding has been provided to a grassroots charity to run a project aimed at supporting men’s mental health. Hikes and sports sessions are combined with talking therapy-based work. More than 200 men are now involved after scheme launched less than 18 months ago.

Wolverhampton City Council wanted to draw on behavioural science methodology and insights across their response to the pandemic. They found there is a need to balance the practical (what’s feasible) whilst drawing on principles and insights which can increase the impact of their work.

Wokingham Borough Council has set up a free mental health and wellbeing service which offers a range of courses and workshops people can utilise to encourage them to become experts in their own self-care.