Linking Members with Councils: Using Local Elections as a Springboard for Change

Last month saw local elections take place across the country, offering a timely opportunity to engage with newly elected councillors and local authorities. Influencing local councils to improve physical health outcomes for people living with severe mental illness (SMI) can be especially powerful when approached strategically and collaboratively.

At Equally Well UK, we’re keen to support our members in making those connections. Below, we have shared some practical ideas and election mandates that members can use to help start conversations and influence local priorities in their area.

1. Make the case with clear evidence

• Present data showing the stark health inequalities people with SMI face (e.g., higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, reduced life expectancy). You can find the latest data from NHS England here and resources from Equally Well UK here that may be helpful.
• Share local statistics if possible — councils often respond better when they can see the problem in their own community.

2. Link to existing council priorities

• Councils are already focused on health, wellbeing, and inequalities. Show how improving physical health for people with SMI supports their existing goals (e.g., public health policies and strategies, reducing health disparities, meeting NHS targets).
• Tie into national frameworks like the NHS Long Term Plan or public health outcomes frameworks.

3. Build strong partnerships

• Work with local mental health services, GPs, voluntary organisations, and community groups.
• Councils are more likely to act when multiple partners are aligned and asking for the same thing.

4. Highlight practical, low-cost interventions

• Councils are often stretched for funding. Suggest things that are realistic, like:
  • Including mental health in local physical activity strategies
  • Offering free or supported access to exercise programmes for people with SMI
  • Training leisure centre staff on mental health awareness
  • Integrating routine physical health checks into mental health services.

5. Use real stories

• Personal stories from people living with SMI about the impact of better physical health support can be incredibly powerful.
• Councillors and officials are often moved more by people than by statistics.

6. Offer clear actions

• Provide a small set of very clear, practical recommendations (“Three things your council can do right now”), such as:
  • Data sharing: Ensure appropriate information sharing agreements between mental health, physical health, and social care services are in place
  • Expand social prescribing: Connect people with SMI to physical activity groups, healthy eating initiatives, and community support networks
  • Peer support workers: Involve people with lived experience in delivering services or acting as champions for healthy lifestyle changes.
• Councils often need tangible next steps, not just general advocacy.

7. Leverage the political cycle

• Now is a good time, right after local elections — newly elected councillors are often more open to fresh ideas.
• Invite councillors to events, webinars, or site visits that focus on mental and physical health.