A partnership project hosted by Blaby District Council was a winner at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards on 21st March.
In partnership with Leicestershire County Council, district councils, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG’s) and Leicestershire Partnership Trust, the Lightbulb project was shortlisted alongside some of local government’s most innovative initiatives, and was the winning entry in the Public/Public Partnership category for its work in supporting vulnerable people to live in their homes as safely as possible.
Following the roll-out in October 2017, 89 per cent of service users have reported an improvement in their physical and mental health under the new scheme. A reduction of just one fall for every 17 residents saves the local health and care economy £21,000 per year.
With Lightbulb now rolled out across Leicestershire, more service users will be able to take advantage of the benefits, including a much reduced waiting time for housing adaptations, fewer people involved in each case and a vast reduction in delivery cost.
Analysis on 357 patients experiencing improved care and an 84 percent reduction in NHS costs, worth up to £550,000 in savings over a one-year period.
Back in September, Lightbulb was named ‘Best Collaborative Working Initiative’ by the Association for Public Service Excellence and Commended at the Home Improvement Agency Awards.
Councillor Lee Breckon, Blaby District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “This is Lightbulb’s third award in under six months, and continues to prove how this partnership is recognised nationally for the positive difference it is making.
“We are so proud to host Lightbulb and continue the project’s innovative work in changing the way local people access housing adaptations.”
Councillor Pam Posnett, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Health, said: “the outcomes already achieved through the Lightbulb programme, speak for themselves and have proven by working collaboratively, we can make a significant difference to people’s lives”.
The awards ceremony took place at London’s Grosvenor House venue on 21 March 2018.