Moira, VIC leverages art therapy to manage resident isolation with Let's Stay Connected project

The council and project partner Art in Architecture recruited 100 residents for the free program. Twelve weekly video conferences teach participants meditative drawing exercises with supplies provided by the council. Every Let's Stay Connected student joins a Facebook group that facilitates discussion between one-hour classes. Shire officials designed the program as an outlet for residents suffering social isolation, stress, and anxiety during COVID-19.

Sheffield City Council, GB launched the ICON programme to help parents cope with infant crying

Sheffield City Council launched the ICON programme to help parents cope with infant crying and reduce the risk of infant injury. Participating healthcare professionals share the ICON message with parents: Infant crying is normal, Comforting methods can help, it's Okay to walk away, and Never shake a baby. The ICON programme was launched in response to concerns that social isolation and increased pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic could increase incidents of infant head trauma.

Sheffield City Council, GB offered residents free access to the popular Smoke Free mobile app

Sheffield City Council offered 200 residents free access to the popular Smoke Free mobile app to help the public quit smoking. The Council also provided participants with a 4-week structured quit plan including virtual one-to-one support from a stop smoking advisor. The Council designed this programme to protect public health particularly considering smokers are at a higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19.

London Borough of Lambeth, GB launched a local COVID-19 Contact Tracing Service

London Borough of Lambeth collaborated with Public Health England to launch a local COVID-19 Contact Tracing Service. The Lambeth service calls residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and notifies them that they must self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus. The service also collects close contact details from residents and refers them back to the National Test and Trace System. The Council developed this local service to find cases missed by the NHS Test and Trace System.

Angus Council, GB reduces period poverty with Free Period Angus community partnership

Local residents in need of menstrual health products can request up to three months of free supplies through an online form. Voluntary Action Angus works with the council to deliver products for self-isolating residents during COVID-19. Project partners maintain supplies at city buildings, health centers, and sports clubs. Free Period Angus also conducts the Period Positive Campaign to make schools and workplaces open to discussions about women's health.

Rochester, NY begins Person in Crisis pilot for alternative responses to mental health crises

The six-month pilot will dispatch a two-person PIC team on 911 and 211 calls related to non-violent health issues. The team features a mental health practitioner and a social worker on call 24 hours a day. PIC interventions include de-escalation techniques and crisis counseling once the scene is deemed secure. Residents with psychological and substance abuse issues are referred to additional services that improve their health outcomes.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, GB responds to winter homelessness with People's Pods

Ten single-occupancy pods were installed at Shadsworth Leisure Centre to serve homeless residents. Each pod includes a keycode lock, shower facilities, desk, and bed. The pod cluster is served throughout the week by council staff and Inspire Drug and Alcohol Service. Temporary residents are also protected by around-the-clock security. Council leaders invested in People's Pods to protect more rough sleepers from the dangers of cold weather and COVID-19.

Dundee City Council, GB improves resident health with Green Health Partnership

Participants in this free program start by contacting the Green Health Info Hotline. The service team recommends outdoor activities based on the resident's physical, mental, and social health concerns. Dundee and NHS Tayside offer activities ranging from outdoor mosaic building to five-kilometer Park Runs that encourage healthy behaviors. The Dundee Green Health Partnership assigns volunteer activity partners to integrate residents into new activities.

Carteret County, NC is using over $1.3 million in CARES Act funding on COVID compliant technology

Carteret County received more than $1.3 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. The county is using the majority of these funds to purchase new technology that complies with COVID-19 safety guidelines. The county has spent over $500,000 on teleworking equipment for county staff including laptops, tablets, and software licenses. Some of the funding will also be used to purchase PPE and improve the sanitary condition of the detention center.

Clay County, FL is using nearly $10 million in CARES Act funding to protect the community from COVID

Clay County has accepted the first 25% of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) funding allocated to the area in the amount of $9,564,446. The county is using these funds to protect its community from the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first phase of funding is being directed toward teleworking equipment for county staff, mobile coronavirus testing and immunization labs, restarting small local businesses, etc.

Playford, SA works with state government and local partners to develop area's first Wellbeing Hub

The Playford Wellbeing Hub opened in 2021 to improve community health and social connections during COVID-19 and beyond. Residents access healthy cooking and gardening lessons along with pantry essentials at The Precinct. The council partners with BlueFit on group fitness courses, daycare services, and social events at the John McVeity Centre. Playford received assistance from South Australia as part of the state's Wellbeing SA Statewide Wellbeing Strategy.

Aurora, ON collaborated with Snow Angels Canada a free online platform to help residents shovel snow

The Town of Aurora collaborated with the Snow Angels Canada free online platform to help residents needing snow removal assistance. The town encouraged residents to sign-up and volunteer via Snow Angels Canada to connect with residents in need of snow shoveling services. The program helps residents who are physically unable to shovel during tough winters by providing the necessary connections and kindness from the community.