Case studies

Lewisham Council and Lewisham Learning plan took a new approach to education to investigate why Black students were underachieving. Following the findings a number of pledges were created, including a commitment to increase black representation among the school leadership team and governors, reducing exclusions for black pupils and targeting ambitious outcomes for black pupils. This case study forms part of the health inequalities hub.

The Basildon Advice Store opened in 2019 and is run by Basildon Council. Residents may walk in and use it to access employment-related skills from a range of local providers.

Apprenticeships Suffolk is an impartial and completely free service being offered by Suffolk County Council as part of their strategic aim to increase the quality and quantity of apprenticeships within the county, thereby supporting businesses and helping to achieve economic growth.

South Gloucestershire agreed a new plan for children’s social care in October 2021 which will see an extra £10m invested over the coming three to five years.

Liverpool’s public health team identified mental wellbeing as a key priority this year amid signs of an increase in problems, including a rise in the number of suicides locally.

What is the best model for refurbishment of digital equipment in the city, from business to individuals and organisations? This question is answered through a blend of desktop research and interviews with local stakeholders.

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council is tackling the economic impacts of COVID-19 through a new Economic Renewal Action Plan, including a £2 million Prioritised Recovery Programme (PRP) of immediately deliverable action. The approach combines an evidence-based, strategy-led plan with practical action to tackle critical issues and gaps in support to accelerate recovery.

Norfolk County Council has been working closely with partners on the project Addiction, Diversion, Disruption, Enforcement, and Recovery (ADDER) pilot to reduce instances of drug related crime and deaths within the county.

Community Employment Hubs have been set up in various locations across Somerset West and Taunton (SWT). The hubs offer flexible support to people who want to overcome personal barriers to their skills development and employment prospects. The holistic approach and ethos of the hubs contribute towards the confidence, self-esteem, social interaction, health and wellbeing of attendees. The hub model has proved to be a success and the aims are to develop and expand the provision to ten hubs across the district delivering employment, apprenticeships, skills development as well as training support and information by mid-2022.

In Wiltshire the council has provided targeted support to those most at risk, setting up a dedicated team to work with young people not in education, employment or training.