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.
A free 10-week Active Menopause Programme in North West Leicestershire, to support women who are going through perimenopause or menopause and to help them become more physically active.
Furniture poverty is the inability to access, or afford to buy or maintain, any household furniture or appliance item that is essential for a socially acceptable standard of living. At least 26 per cent of social housing tenants live in furniture poverty - yet only 2 per cent of social homes are let as furnished.
Family Mentors are a highly trained paid peer workforce that deliver the Small Steps at Home manualised evidence-based programme of child development and preventative health support to parents of 0- to four-year-olds.
Empowering women of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and abilities to be active in ways right for them through our local campaign, LLR Girls Can (Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Girls Can).
The Staying Well programme was commissioned to tackle loneliness and promote wellbeing. Three community anchor organisations that run the scheme have developed bespoke approaches to engage men which involves a photography-themed walking group, a reminiscing group for older BME residents and a Men’s Sheds project.
A community development fund was set up to develop new schemes and strengthening existing ones. It was a three-year project which then launched to create a movement among local men and empower them to engage others in their health and wellbeing. Public-facing staff in places such as barbers, cafes and tattoo shops have been given mental first aid training.
The council is funding places on a healthy lifestyle football-based programme for overweight men, with around 90 per cent of those that take part loosing weight during the 10-week course. The initiative is being used as a stepping stone to get men into other activities as well as providing wider support.
The London borough has launched a programme to improve the mental health of young black men. The three-year project involves work in schools, community outreach as well as training for frontline staff such as police. Barbers have also been given training to support their clients and refer into support services
Melton Borough Council in Leicestershire has funded a local farming support service to run health checks at a livestock market. Physical health checks are offered alongside support for mental health twice a month and more than 500 farmers have taken up the option in the past year.
A community champions project set up to enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake has been re-purposed to work on projects to tackle health inequalities. Men’s health is one of the priorities with plans for health workshops in the community and other workstreams for the homeless and on nutrition will also benefit men.