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Innovation Unit

@innovationunit.bsky.social
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We grow and scale the boldest and best innovations that deliver long-term impact for people across the UK.

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Reposted by Innovation Unit
Charlotte Augst @charlotteaugst.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Excellent, inspiring stuff. We need to go both deep and wide if we want to change bureaucracies. And this piece speaks to both these ambitions. @innovationunit.bsky.social @kscopehealth.bsky.social @jessmcp.bsky.social
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Grantees will share their insights, advice and perspectives on what it really takes to embed meaningful collaboration. 🗓️18 Nov 2025 ⏰1-2.30pm 🔗Find out more and register your place: www.innovationunit.org/latest-updat... #HealthInequalities #VCSE #NHS #PartnershipWorking #StrongerTogether
Stronger Together: Building place-based partnerships to tackle health inequalities. Online event. Innovation Unit and The National Lottery Community Fund. Tuesday 18th November 2025 - 1-2.30pm.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
How can the VCSE sector, NHS and local authorities work together more effectively to reduce health inequalities? Join our interactive webinar to explore real-world learning from @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk’s Health Equalities Programme, which has supported 12 local partnerships to do just that.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Taking time to reflect on both our internal context and our external environment is essential for ensuring our work creates tangible, equitable impact for all. Days like this make us feel energised around our shared purpose, and excited for our work ahead. Learn more ⤵️ lnkd.in/eJyEg8jj
People sat around tables with reading material, coffee and water. Everyone is facing a woman speaking at the front of the room - people are smiling and listening intently.People sat around tables with reading material, coffee and water. People are facing a woman speaking and expressing with her hands sat on one of the tables - people are smiling and listening intently.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Our mission is to reduce inequalities and transform systems by growing-people powered innovations - we asked ourselves two critical questions: 🤝What is going on for the people, communities, public services, and VCSE organizations we work with? 🚀how do we launch our expertise into the world?
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
A powerful and productive Strategy Away Day for the #IUTeam last week! 🎉 We took a break from the day-to-day to dedicate time for collaboration as we begin to refresh our organisational strategy.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Learn more about trauma-informed design ⤵️ www.innovationunit.org/latest-updat... Check out our new website ⤵️ www.innovationunit.org
innovationunit.org
Reducing inequalities Transforming systems | Innovation Unit
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
This focus on accessibility goes beyond just our website; it's central to our entire approach to design. Our latest blog explores how we use trauma-informed approaches to create designs that reduce harm and provide safe opportunities for people with lived experience to tell their stories.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
How can we create designs that are safe and accessible to all? 🌍 Our new website takes an accessibility-first design approach, including easy-to-use interfaces, colour contrasts and technical functions to assist users.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
When graphic design isn’t trauma-informed, it can cause further harm and isolation 🔈 Our latest blog explores the critical role of trauma-informed graphic design when creating content with and for audiences with lived experience of trauma. Learn more ⤵️ www.innovationunit.org/latest-updat...
Green watercolour painting of hands typing on a keyboard
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
We spoke about the challenges and opportunities for our work in the face of: 🌍Climate change 👥Political and social shifts 🧠The growth of AI Thank you James for your generous thoughts, and for prompting such rich discussion. Find out more about our work ⤵️ www.innovationunit.org
A man presenting to a room of people, he is stood in front of a projector with a notepad in his hand. People sat around tables are looking at him as he speaksA group of people sat at a table around a sheet of paper with post-it notes and writing on it. They are deep in discussion.A woman stood up addressing a group of people, she is smiling and is pointing to something on the table in front of herTwo women standing in front of a post-it note covered board - one woman is reaching across and placing a note on the wall.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
James’ insightful talk challenged us to think about the role we play in supporting leaders and practitioners to transform systems. At Innovation Unit we have over two decades of experience working across the public sector, but the environment we work in is constantly changing.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
What does transforming systems mean in practice? Last week the #IUTeam was joined by @jamestplunkett.bsky.social , public policy leader and author of End State.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Radical, sustainable change is possible for our mental health systems ! We are proud to share an evaluation report of Salford Mental Health Neighbourhood Team’s work adopting and adapting a #LivingWell Mental Health model. Read the report at ⤵️
innovationunit.org
Neighbourhood Mental Health in Greater Manchester
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Last week the #IUTeam came together for some fun in the sun ☀️ We welcomed some new faces to our team, took some time to reflect on our last six months, and ended the day with an all-team game of Task Master led by Bethan Mitchell, truly putting our innovation expertise to the ultimate test ! 🏆
Five people standing in a pub holding the winning prize and smiling. Room full of people sat at tables, all talking in groups. Woman sat at a table, holding a whoopie cushion and smiling at the camera. Another woman sat next to her drinking from a glass.A group of people all trying to balance objects on a team member, with a sponge and a glass on her head.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Loneliness is a public health emergency, but our home and communities offer part of the cure 🏘️ Senior Innovation Consultant & Service Designer Savannah Fishel explores the power of ‘neighbourisms’ as preventative health interventions. Read more ⤵️ www.housinglin.org.uk/Topics/type/...
housinglin.org.uk
Loneliness is a public health crisis and neighbourisms should be part of the cure - Resource Library - Resources - Housing LIN
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
We are at risk of losing a generation. Support for young people is fragmented, but Young Futures Hubs offer the potential for holistic support. Learn more about why we champion the #FundTheHubs campaign and the case for Young Futures Hubs ⤵️
innovationunit.org
Young Futures Hubs: If not now, when? | Innovation Unit
Young people are being failed by a fragmented system and a political agenda that talks about opportunity but too often lets it slip through their fingers. Too many of them continue to struggle:
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
Young people today face unprecedented challenges, from mental health struggles to economic insecurity and rising violence 📣 Our latest blog explores why young futures hubs are essential. It's time for bold action. If not now, when? Read the full blog here:
innovationunit.org
Young Futures Hubs: If not now, when? | Innovation Unit
Young people are being failed by a fragmented system and a political agenda that talks about opportunity but too often lets it slip through their fingers. Too many of them continue to struggle:
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
You're invited to Bites & Insights 🍴💡 Bring your lunch and join us for our final session to dive into real-world experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs of people working to change mental health systems and practice for the better. Sign up here:
innovationunit.org
You're Invited: Bites & Insights - Changing Mental Health Systems & Practice - Innovation Unit
You are invited to join us for Bites & Insights, a three-part live chat series
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
What does it really take to grow community-powered mental health systems? 🌱 Join us for our next two Bites & Insights sessions, diving into the real-world experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs of people working to change systems and practice for the better. Sign up here:
innovationunit.org
You're Invited: Bites & Insights - Changing Mental Health Systems & Practice - Innovation Unit
You are invited to join us for Bites & Insights, a three-part live chat series
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
You are invited to Bites & Insights🍴💡 Bites & Insights is a three-part series, diving into the real-world experiences of people working to change mental health systems and practice for the better. Bring your lunch along & get ready to learn. Sign up here:
innovationunit.org
You're Invited: Bites & Insights - Changing Mental Health Systems & Practice - Innovation Unit
You are invited to join us for Bites & Insights, a three-part live chat series
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
What does it really take to grow community-powered mental health systems? 🌱 Join us for Bites & Insights, a three-part live chat series, diving into the real-world experiences of people working to change systems and practice for the better. Sign up here:
innovationunit.org
You're Invited: Bites & Insights - Changing Mental Health Systems & Practice - Innovation Unit
You are invited to join us for Bites & Insights, a three-part live chat series
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Sav will be sharing learning from her @churchillfship.bsky.social, exploring what it takes to create thriving intergenerational communities. See you there! 👋 2/2
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Reimagining how we live together 🏘️ Senior Innovation Consultant Savannah Fishel will be speaking at two events as part of the Architecture Fringe next week: 📢Radical Housing Conference www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/radical-ho... 📢Cohousing Scotland AGM www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sharing-is... 1/2
eventbrite.co.uk
Radical Housing Conference Scotland Part 3
Get ready for the third installment of the Radical Housing Conference in Scotland, where we'll be diving deep into all things housing activi
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
We must prioritise prevention to break the unfair link between family background & opportunity⚖️ In our latest blog, we highlight the work of social purpose providers who are delivering high quality education & care for families and communities ⤵️ www.innovationunit.org/thoughts/gro... 2/2
innovationunit.org
Growing a new childcare system: Reshaping the market - Innovation Unit
The government’s mission to ensure every child has the best start to life is a source for great hope. However, there should be no sigh of relief just yet. Actually, we should be pretty concerned about...
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
We have been thinking about how best to deliver government missions, here is our take on childcare ⬇️ We know that the for-profit, private childcare providers dominate the market, resulting in more provision for high-income communities, and ‘childcare deserts’ for low-income communities. 1/2
A child's hands on dry ground
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
How can we revolutionise childcare? 👐🏾 In our latest blog, we highlight the work of social purpose providers who are delivering high quality education and care. We want to grow their work and diversify the market. Read more: www.innovationunit.org/thoughts/gro...
innovationunit.org
Growing a new childcare system: Reshaping the market - Innovation Unit
The government’s mission to ensure every child has the best start to life is a source for great hope. However, there should be no sigh of relief just yet. Actually, we should be pretty concerned about...
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Working with East London Cares, Sav's work supported local residents to sustain intergenerational friendships. She documented this work, uncovering insights about what gets in the way of these connections. Sign up here: generationsworkingtogether.org/events/servi... 2/2
generationsworkingtogether.org
Events
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Developing and sustaining intergenerational friendships 🫂 Senior Innovation Consultant and Service Designer Sav Fishel will be sharing her service redesign project at Generations Working Together’s upcoming webinar, on Tuesday 27th May 📅 1/2
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
The government's commitment to ensuring every child has the best start in life is a source for hope, but the childcare market in England is dysfunctional. We must prioritise prevention to break the unfair link between background & opportunity ⚖️ Read more:
innovationunit.org
Growing a new childcare system: Reshaping the market - Innovation Unit
The government’s mission to ensure every child has the best start to life is a source for great hope. However, there should be no sigh of relief just yet. Actually, we should be pretty concerned…
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
What does it really take to grow community powered mental health systems? 🌱👐 For the past five years we've been working across Greater Manchester to scale #LivingWell systems. In our latest blog, we share our learning and impact. Take a look: www.innovationunit.org/thoughts/com...
innovationunit.org
Community Powered Mental Health: Learning from Living Well - Innovation Unit
Living Well systems support people with complex needs who currently don’t get the help they need at the right time. Those who are ‘too complex’ for primary care and ‘not unwell enough’ for secondary…
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
We are delighted to announce that we have joined the @edfuturesinstitute.bsky.social 🎉 We are looking forward to collaborating with a diverse group of partners to drive the boldest, place-based innovations across Scotland. Find out more about our approach ⤵️
innovationunit.org
Developing bold new ways of working to support communities to live well locally - Innovation Unit
In 2023 Innovation Unit partnered with Scottish Futures Trust and Hub North, and leaders across Caithness, as part of the Caithness Place Based Demonstrator. We designed and delivered the Caithness…
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Growing mental health support powered by the community🌱👐 This Mental Health Awareness Week, we're reflecting on the power of #LivingWell mental health systems. Read more in the @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk's Three Decades of Making a Difference report: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/media/docume...
People sat in a line clapping.Three people stood smiling.A group of people speaking to a board covered in posters in front of a room of peopleA woman talking in front of a board with posters behind her.
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Reposted by Innovation Unit
Housing LIN @housinglin.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
A big thank you to our fantastic panel of speakers — Savannah Fishel (@innovationunit.bsky.social), Emily Abbott (Intergenerational England), Dr Cate Pemble ( #DesHCA project), and Sam Goss (Barefoot Architects) — for their insightful contributions and thought-provoking discussion!
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
It has been wonderful to meet so many passionate grant-holders already, and we look forward to supporting further collaboration and learning between their projects. Read more here ⤵️ www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/press-r... 2/2
tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
Community-led climate projects get boost from groundbreaking new partnership | The National Lottery Community Fund
Pioneering new partnership commissioned by The National Lottery Community Fund is set to transform community-led climate action across the UK by connecting grassroots projects,
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
We are proud to announce that we are part of the Climate Action Fund (CAF) Learning and Support Partnership, commissioned by @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk 🎉 Alongside our partners ARUP, Creature & Co & The University of Leeds, we will support over 130 community-led climate projects across the UK. 1/2
A group of around 10 people stood in coats in an allotment smiling at the camera. There is a text box overlayed reading 'Introducing the Climate Action Fund (CAF) Learning and Support Partnership' in pink lettering.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Also great to hear Andy Burnham @mayorofgm.bsky.social talking about Greater Manchester's Live Well. We’re proud to partner with @greatermcr.bsky.social exploring how their neighbourhood approach can support everyone to 'Live Well'. Find out more ⤵️ goodlivesgm.co.uk/greater-manc... 2/2
goodlivesgm.co.uk
Greater Manchester Live Well - Goodlives GM
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Great to be at the Care Closer to Home conference talking about our upcoming work with @nhsconfed.org and @localtrust.org.uk. We’ll work with 6 Big Local groups to learn what it takes to create community-led approaches to neighbourhood health. Read more ⤵️ www.nhsconfed.org/news/power-p... 1/2
Two people sat at a table smiling with silver laptops in front of them and an Innovation Unit banner behind them.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
📣Real change will only happen if test learn and grow projects push the boundaries of existing government policy📣 In our latest blog we draw on our experience of the power to innovate & ask, how can we apply this to local services today? Share your thoughts⤵️ www.innovationunit.org/thoughts/tim...
A person with long blonde hair wearing a black dress standing at the front of a room pointing at post it notes on a wall, with a small audience sat listening.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
We're exploring how to support community-led, hyperlocal approaches to health, empowering the people who know their neighbourhoods best to drive change. Learn more about the programme ⤵️ www.nhsconfed.org/news/power-p... 2/2
nhsconfed.org
Power in partnerships: Communities leading the way to better health
The NHS Confederation and Local Trust have launched an action research programme aimed at building community-led approaches to health and wellbeing.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Our health is shaped by so much more than what happens in a doctor's office. That's why we are delighted to be working with Local Trust and NHS Confederation to launch a new action research programme. 1/2
nhsconfed.org
Power in partnerships: Communities leading the way to better health
The NHS Confederation and Local Trust have launched an action research programme aimed at building community-led approaches to health and wellbeing.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
🚨Just one week until applications close for our new vacancies🚨 We are an an impact-focussed #nonprofit, looking for new talent to join our team! Don’t miss your chance, apply now 👉🏽 www.innovationunit.org/work-for-us/...
innovationunit.org
Create impact, reduce inequalities, transform systems
Are you energised by digging into problems and challenging assumptions? Are you inspired by designing new solutions to big social challenges? Are you motivated by helping people transform the systems ...
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Looking for your next challenge? Work with us💡 We are looking for new talent to join the #IUTeam, to keep transforming systems and reducing inequalities 📈 Get involved 👇🏾 www.innovationunit.org/work-for-us/...
innovationunit.org
Create impact, reduce inequalities, transform systems
Are you energised by digging into problems and challenging assumptions? Are you inspired by designing new solutions to big social challenges? Are you motivated by helping people transform the systems ...
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
We are learning about 6 important ingredients for effective cross-sector partnerships: 🎨Co-design with communities & health partners 🧭Steering the way 📣Leadership & co-ordination 🌱Test small 📝Review and revisit 👐Tell your story Find out more: www.innovationunit.org/thoughts/lea... 2/2
innovationunit.org
Learning from the Health Equalities programme - Innovation Unit
6 learnings on building effective and sustainable partnerships between the voluntary and statutory sector
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
What does it take to build effective & sustainable partnerships to improve health equity? We are the Learning & Support Partner for @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk's Health Equalities programme, working with 12 grantees, exploring the conditions & approaches for flourishing cross-sector partnerships. 1/2
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
📢New vacancies at a creative, impact-focussed non-profit📢 We work across the UK in #placetransformation, #mentalhealth, #healthandcare, #climateaction, #childrenandfamilies and #criminaljustice systems. Work with us ⬇️ www.innovationunit.org/work-for-us/...
innovationunit.org
Create impact, reduce inequalities, transform systems
Are you energised by digging into problems and challenging assumptions? Are you inspired by designing new solutions to big social challenges? Are you motivated by helping people transform the systems ...
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
They have been learning about what it takes to build: 📢Leadership across places 🫱🏼‍🫲🏾Equal voluntary & statutory partnerships 👥Trust in communities 🔀Cross-sector teams #GoodLivesGM is our partnership with @greatermcr.bsky.social Read more about the leaders' experiments: goodlivesgm.co.uk/experiments/
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Last month we celebrated our third cohort of the #GoodLivesGM Leadership Collaborative 🎉 These 20 pioneering leaders have been on a 9 month programme, running experiments, to test new ways of working to reduce inequalities and grow a culture of prevention across Greater Manchester. 1/2
Two people looking at a poster on a wall.7 people sat on a panel discussion on a low stage.A few people sat round a table having a discussionThree people chatting and smiling.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
The Early Family Help Trailblazer is part of #GoodLivesGM, our strategic partnership with @greatermcr.bsky.social, learning about what it takes to reduce inequalities to reduce systemic inequalities and grow a culture of prevention. Read more: goodlivesgm.co.uk
goodlivesgm.co.uk
Goodlives GM
We are working to reduce inequalities in Greater Manchester by removing barriers to community-led innovation.
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