This report was prepared for the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit, by the University of the West of England. It identifies sources of data that can be used to help meet renewal objectives by providing sign-posts for practitioners to existing and forthcoming sources of data to support local renewal planning. It seeks to meet increasing demand for ready-made data-sets by regeneration practitioners in the field.The report is available at:
http://www.neighbourhood.gov.uk/formatteddoc.asp?id=734

Read more on SOURCES OF NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL DATA…

Three pilot schemes are to be run to try to encourage young men to seek earlier help and access to mental health services or support to help reduce the risk of suicide. The pilot programmes are to be key elements of the suicide prevention strategy drawn up by the National Institute for Mental Health in England.The mental health promotion pilots have been devised because suicide is now the commonest cause of death in men under 35. More than 1,300 young men in England take their own life each year and suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, particularly in younger people. The pilots are being developed in Camden, Manchester and Bedfordshire.

Read more on PILOT SCHEMES HELP REDUCE SUICIDE RISK…

More needs to be done to involve trade unions and staff in the reform of public services, according to a report from the Public Services Forum published by the Cabinet Office. The Forum carried out its first audit of staff involvement and found there was scope for improvement in communicating and involving staff in the case for reform to improve public services for all.The report says there is, though, growing evidence that organisations are transforming the way they involve staff in reform. The Forum commissioned ten case studies to identify innovative practices in engaging trade unions and employees. These, it said, demonstrated that where staff are effectively engaged in the process public services could be improved.

Read more on NEW STEPS TO INVOLVE STAFF IN PUBLIC SERVICE REFORM…