Archive for the ‘Local Government Chronicle’ Category
Promoting literacy
LITERACY plays a vital role in improving people’s lives. Not just in enhancing their employability, but also, according to research by the National Literacy Trust, promoting their mental health, well-being and family relationships.
Councils around the country are finding out that boosting literacy skills can bring wider benefits for the community, says Robert Bullard.
Local Government Chronicle - August 2009
Support for young asylum seekers
THE ISSUE of asylum seekers is surrounded by strong feelings, political controversy and emotive arguments. For councils, who have a legal responsibility to support young asylum seekers, this can mean treading a fine line in a highly sensitive environment.
Robert Bullard finds out how two councils are rising to the challenge.
Local Government Chronicle - July 2009
Equalling London 2012
The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games give councils ample chances to catch the public’s imagination – not just in sport, but in the arts, culture and education too.
Even before London was declared host for the 2012 Olympic Games, Kent County Council had laid plans to reap benefits from the sporting spectacular.
“The Olympics is a one-off opportunity to inspire people,” says Chris Hespe, the council’s head of sport, leisure and Olympics. “We wanted to do something whether it was going to be London or Paris.”
Several years on, Kent County Council and four other councils — Dorset County Council, Essex County Council, Greenwich Council and Hackney LBC — have been awarded beacon status for the way in which they are using the London Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy to encourage their communities to be more active.
The games, says Mr Hespe, is an opportunity to inspire people far beyond sport — in areas such as education, the arts and volunteering. And for the council, it is an opportunity to achieve and exceed its ambitions — whether in terms of inward investment, tourism or regeneration.
‘Gym For Free’ scheme: Birmingham
“Most public health programmes focus on small groups of people – I wanted to do something population-wide,” says Kevin Haywood, head of public health programmes at the Heart of Birmingham Primary Care Trust. “So I contacted the city council and suggested doing something for the whole of [the parliamentary constituency of] Ladywood, and they bought into the idea, saying ‘Let’s do it.’ ”
The idea of giving 110,000 residents free access to gym facilities, swimming and fitness classes was hatched by the two organisations in December 2007, and within an impressive five weeks a scheme was operational. “We sent every resident a valentines day card, on 14th February 2008, inviting them to come and visit,” says Ms Jerwood, the council’s constituency senior manger for Ladywood.
The constituency is one of the most deprived in the country, with very low incomes and poor health (see box). But that is precisely why it was the chosen location: the aim of the ‘Gym For Free’ scheme is to break down the barriers that prevent people taking up healthy exercise. “Many people in the area can’t afford the leisure opportunities that others can, in order to become physically active,” says Dr Jacky Chambers, the PCT’s director of public health.
