Leeds has launched an ambitious 100‑day Community Mission Challenge (CMC) to strengthen support for babies aged 0–2 at risk of becoming children looked after in East Leeds. The initiative is part of the national Health Mission and is being delivered with the Cabinet Office and the Department of Health and Social Care.
As home to the Health and Social Care Hub – one of the government’s Places for Growth thematic campuses – Leeds is a key testbed for innovative, community‑focused approaches to improving health outcomes. The challenge aligns with the city’s wider ambition to create a fairer, healthier Leeds where children have the best start in life.
A Targeted Approach for Early Impact
By focusing on very young children in high‑need families, the CMC aims to intervene earlier and more effectively. This tight focus has created an enabling environment where health, care, public sector and community partners collaborate more closely to support families.
Transforming Practice Through Three Tests
The mission is built around three practical tests of change:
- Integrated Huddle – A small, trusted decision‑making space where practitioners share insight and make timely, proportionate decisions for families.
- Single Lead Practitioner (SLP) – A dedicated role providing continuity, ensuring decisions made in huddles translate into timely action.
- Shared Information – Improved sharing of professional judgement and available insights to drive earlier, joined‑up support.
Early Confidence and Growing Momentum
Practitioners report improvements in how insight is shared and support coordinated, helping teams understand holistic family needs sooner. Advanced Practitioner Yasmin Johnson, who is trialling the SLP role, emphasised how the testing highlights the importance of integrated working.
The huddles are gaining momentum, consistently bringing the right people together at the right time and unlocking collective expertise to create meaningful impact. This collaborative approach is further strengthening Leeds’ ambition to give every child the best possible start in life.
For further information visit: Community Mission Challenge – Leeds Health and Care Partnership