Publications

Establishing local Healthwatch (LHW) is a series of briefings produced by the LGA to assist local authorities and their partners in local communities and the NHS to support the commissioning, setting up and early development of local Healthwatch.

They address a number of transitional issues relating to the transfer of responsibility for delivering the National Child Measurement programme, which moved from PCTs to local government in April 2013.

Examples of how local councils support people with autistic spectrum conditions

Children and young people's mental health services and social care can help to pick up the pieces when things go wrong. But it is councils and their partners who can play a lead role in trying to ensure problems don't develop in the first place.

Local government action to tackle childhood obesity

Large numbers of young children have teeth extracted under general anaesthesia in hospital because of dental decay.

Giving children a healthy start in life is one of the most important jobs councils do and we all have a duty to make sure that children, along with their mums and dads, have access to the services they need.

Obesity is considered to be one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Without action, the health of individuals will continue to suffer, health inequalities associated with obesity will remain and the economic and social costs will increase to unsustainable levels.

This briefing provides top tips, helpful resources and case studies from seven councils, showcasing just a small selection of positive approaches going on across the country.

For the LGA, good mental health and wellbeing for children, young people and adults is an absolute priority. Councils have responsibilities for children’s mental health through their children’s and public health services, as well as their role on health and wellbeing boards and as local system leaders.