Stockport Council services are finalists for national awards

Two local services provided by Stockport Council have been named as finalists in national awards.

Work in Children’s Services and Public Health have been picked as examples of best practice, and will now go forward to the MJ Achievement Awards ceremony, which recognise the very best local government services across the UK.

Stockport’s Aspire complex safeguarding service has been nominated in the Innovation in Children’s Services category. This work showcases Stockport Family’s model of integrated partnerships working restoratively to achieve better outcomes for children and families affected by domestic abuse and complex abuse and exploitation. The work has led to professionals being able to better understand the experiences of victims, develop trusted relationships with children and young people to help them achieve their ambitions, act to reduce the risks of abuse, and build on families’ strengths so that they can be safe and remain together in their communities.

The Victoria Intensive Project (VIP) which was launched in 2017 to work directly with individuals with complex drug and alcohol issues, has been shortlisted in the Public Health Improvement category. The work has centred around embedding a rapid, person-focussed approach. By investing time in building positive, trusting relationships and focussing on the needs that matter most to the individual, the VIP has resulted in significantly improved outcomes for individuals, including: 82% reduction in alcohol dependency; 81% increase in levels of confidence and self-esteem; and, a 27% reduction in hospital attendances over the period of 12 months.

Cllr Jude Wells, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Heath at Stockport Council, said:

These nominations are fantastic news for Stockport residents. To have this work highlighted as some of the best in the country says that our communities are benefiting from cutting edge and innovative services.”

Cllr Colin Foster, Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services and Education at Stockport Council, said:

I’m proud of everyone involved – these award nominations show that our teams, and the work they do, are up there as some of the very best in the UK – these projects, and other work, will continue to improve the lives people right across our borough.”

The winners of the MJ Achievement Awards 2020, will be announced in October this year.